June 8, 2019

Joel Craven has been awarded the Medal of Merit by the National Court of Honor, Boy Scouts of America, for successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver on a fellow classmate and saving him from choking and further distress. The presentation was made at the Lee’s Summit Troop 366 Court of Honor at Lake Jacomo Shelter House on June 1, 2019.

Craven learned his life-saving skills through his First Aid Merit Badge work, which was overseen by Troy Schoeppner, Captain at the Leawood Fire Department. In a letter Captain Schoeppner wrote the following: “I have devoted my life to fire and medical emergency services. It is a privilege to come to our scout meetings each year and teach first aid and emergency preparedness skills. Joel Craven was an exceptional scout in my class.”

Schoeppner further wrote: “Joel showed his great ability to remain calm, think clearly, and do precisely what he had learned to do – not more, not less. To be able to save someone’s life is an amazing accomplishment and a humbling one. Joel’s response to his actions were just that…thankful and humble. Again, reminding me what a truly exceptional young man he is becoming.”

Craven was presented with a certificate and a medal from the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America.