Hononegah student presented with Youth Hero Award for brave actions

Hononegah Community High School student Ayden Peterson earned and received the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 332, Youth Hero Award during the Auxiliary Aug. 18, 2026 meeting.

This is a reflection of Peterson coming to the rescue during an emergency situation.

After hearing the story of how Peterson jumped into selfless action Department of Illinois American Legion Axillary Chair and Historian for Children and Youth, Sue Johnson.

Johnson explained, “There are Good Deeds awards and Youth Hero Awards, Youth Hero Awards are a higher level of valor.”

Nominations for a Youth Hero Award come from demonstrating a physical act of valor and in doing so acting as an inspirational role model.

Johnson introduced Peterson who was joined by his bus driver for First Student Bus Company, known as “Miss Angie” to students in the district.

Angie reflected on the incident. “There was a very disorderly kid on the bus and at the school he got off the bus.

I thought the problem was done, but as we got around the corner and he was on the side of the road waiting. We got stopped at the red light immediately and some things ensued on the side of road.

I chose not to watch him and that was my mistake.

When the light turned green he was keeping pace with the bus and when the light turned green he ran in front of the bus on purpose.

I had to slam on the brakes and all 45 kids on the bus went flying forward.

I thought it was done, he moved out of the way and I started to move, I started calling it in and he proceeded to do that again several more times.

After I began to go again we got stopped at a red light at Hwy 2 and Rockton Rd. and was stuck with cars all over the place.

When I was eventually able to get through the intersection my first thought was to get pulled over.

Something was happening to me physically and I was able to pull into Rockton Grade School. The air was sucked out of me and I know that it was an anxiety attack.

I was having trouble breathing and began to radio it in but was unable to relay any longer to dispatch because I couldn’t get any air.

Without a moments notice this young man came up from the back of the bus. I handed him the radio and he stayed on with dispatch until police arrived.

I remember him putting his hand on my shoulder saying, “Breathe Miss Angie, Breathe Miss Angie. “

Angie added, “ This is my third experience in having an anxiety attack. I didn’t really know how to help myself then.

I couldn’t be any prouder of this kid. I am lucky to have a kid like him on my bus.”

Peterson said, “I saw someone in danger and the only thing I could think about is she going to be OK by the end of the day, and I came up there to see if she was going to be alright.”

Auxiliary Sergeant at Arms, Katie Adami said, I want to commend you for your due diligence to come forward and to recognize somebody in distress. That doesn’t happen very often so thank you very much for what you did to make her life that much better, it is truly fantastic.

Auxiliary President Kirsten Mancl asked Peterson if it was his instincts that made him jump into help.

Peterson replied, “I saw it in her face.”

“I didn’t have to go by ambulance. I got it under control and know how to help myself now,” Angie said.

Auxiliary Treasurer, Sheila Griffin asked Ayden if he had any training in first aid in Scouts or anything. Peterson replied, “It was just my instincts kicking in, I ran up to help.”

Peterson was asked if he might consider becoming an EMT in the future. Peterson said that he is planning to become a Diesel mechanic.

While presenting Peterson with his award Johnson said, “All youth heroes receive a medal", which she placed around Peterson’s neck, and a pin commemorating 250 years of our nations anniversary. The award both signed by our Children and Youth and our National President.