Girl Scouts Honors Ashlee McGee with the Medal of Honor for Remarkable Lifesaving Act

September 28, 2023

Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin — Girl Scouts proudly recognizes Ashlee McGee—Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Junior Girl Scout—from Ashwaubenon, WI, for her exceptional display of quick thinking, decision-making, and heroism in a critical situation. Ashlee has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor, one of the highest accolades given to girls who exhibit extraordinary bravery and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Dating back to 1913, the handbook titled "How Girls Can Help Their Country" listed two medals that girls could earn for meritorious deeds involving saving lives: the Bronze Cross, presented when a girl had shown special heroism or had faced extraordinary risk of her own life to save another’s life, and the Silver Cross, presented for gallantry with considerable risk to a girl’s life. Even after 110 years, the tradition of recognizing the heroic efforts of Girl Scouts through Lifesaving Awards continues, with the Bronze Cross and the Medal of Honor now serving as the modern-day equivalents.

Ashlee’s courageous actions unfolded when she was at home with her sister and mother, who suddenly began experiencing symptoms of a stroke. In the midst of the emergency, Ashlee exhibited remarkable composure and took charge of the situation. Recognizing her mother's irregular facial features and impaired speech, she immediately alerted her older sister, and together they contacted emergency services.

Despite the high-pressure circumstances, Ashlee assumed responsibility for the 911 call. With unwavering calmness, she relayed crucial information to the dispatcher, accurately described her mother's condition, performed necessary tests as directed, and provided vital details to ensure prompt and efficient help arrived. Throughout the ordeal, Ashlee remained attentive to her mother's well-being, embodying the true spirit of heroism.

Attaining a Lifesaving Award requires girls to submit a comprehensive application outlining the events leading up to and following the rescue. These awards are exceptionally rare, with our council averaging one or fewer recipients yearly.

Girl Scouts is privileged to present Ashlee McGee with the National Medal of Honor award, symbolizing her selflessness, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Ashlee's exemplary act inspires girls everywhere, illustrating the profound impact that one person, regardless of age, can have on their community.

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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) partners with 5,000 volunteers and servesapproximately 10,000 girls, covering 58 counties across central and northwestern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, call
888.747.6945 or visit gsnwgl.org. GSNWGL is a proud United Way partner program.

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