Berviller rescues fellow Girl Scout
June 8, 2010
Wentzville, MO
Holt High School student Madison “Maddie” Berviller will be recognized at the June 17, 2010 Wentzville Board of Education meeting for “exhibiting bravery and determination in a life saving effort.”
On April 24, 2010 Maddie was on an outing with her Girl Scout troop on the Jacks Fork River near Summersville, MO when a fellow girl scout became caught up in a strong current. The 13-year-old victim couldn’t swim out of the current and began to panic. Maddie responded by diving into the river and swimming toward the frightened scout. She was able to calm her down and then pull her to safety.
“I knew not to go in the current. I just kept telling her to keep her head up,” said Maddie.
“Her dad and I are extremely proud of her for her selflessness and jumping in the river to help,” said Maddie’s mother, Kathleen. “Maddie has always been keenly aware of what is going on around her and we couldn’t be more proud that she knew how to handle the situation in a calm and sensible manner to keep both of them as safe as possible under very frightening circumstances. She truly made a difference that day by being at the right place at the right time.”
Maddie has been a Girl Scout for ten years and completed lifesaver training one week prior to the river rescue. She is currently employed as a lifeguard at her neighborhood pool for the summer.
From the Wentzville School District
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