OAKLEAF, Fla. – A Clay County eighth-grader is getting some high praise for his quick thinking and quick action during an emergency last week.
Nevin Luna received two prestigious awards -- and a well-earned round of applause on Wednesday.
The Oakleaf Junior High School student saw a student get hit by a car last week while on his way to track and field practice.
Instead of panicking, Luna stepped up to help.
“I stopped and turned around. Somebody was hit on the ground,” Luna recalled “I called 911, and I asked to see if the ambulance can come out here to make sure he’s all right and everything like that.”
Thankfully everyone involved will be OK.
Luna has now been recognized for remaining calm, cool and collected during such a dramatic event.
“It was just the right thing to do at that time,” Luna said. “Growing up, my mom and dad taught me that if somebody is in need, see if you could help them. Do whatever you can. If someone is in danger, call 911 or if it is something serious, call 911 and keep a cool head.”
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook presented Luna with the Student Spotlight Award, saying she gives them out to students who do exceptional things and Luna fit the bill.
“He was able to handle a critical situation where other people were just watching it or standing by, and he took action that potentially saved someone’s life,” Cook said. “It definitely got emergency services to the people involved much quicker.”
Luna was also surprised with the Young Heroes Award from UF Health’s Flight Services program.
Rebecca Melvin, who works in the trauma program with UF Health, said Luna set an example for others.
“We really preach that if you see something, say something. If you can say something, and it is safe, do something. He did all of those things. It is really nice to see someone who -- completely unprovoked -- decided, ‘Hey, something bad has happened. I’m going to get this person help, and I’m going to stick by them,‘” Melvin said. “I’ve been a paramedic for almost 16 years now. That makes my job a whole lot easier when we have a good Samaritan that sees something, that acts, that stays calm in the face of chaos. That is wonderful.”
Luna said he wants to study biomedical engineering so one day he can help those who will need prosthetics. He said he is thankful for the awards but said there are things that matter way more.
“It means that I did a good deed. But the true reward is that the person is OK,” Luna said. “I consider myself a helpful community person, somebody in the community who will help.”
That perfectly describes Luna’s selfless actions.
