National

Girl Scouts posthumously honor a 10-year-old Uvalde victim for heroism

by Ayana Archie

Amerie Jo Garza's name is displayed before the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on May 27, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City.
Amerie Jo Garza's name is displayed before the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on May 27, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. Elsa / Getty Images

Amerie Jo Garza, one of the 21 victims killed in a mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, has been posthumously given the highest award in the Girl Scouts organization — the Bronze Cross.

"The Bronze Cross is awarded for saving or attempting to save life at the risk of the Girl Scout's own life," the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas said on Twitter Tuesday.

Amerie, 10, was a student at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman barricaded himself in a classroom and opened fire, killing 19 students and two teachers.

"On May 24, Amerie did all she could to save the lives of her classmates and teachers," the statement said.

The honor was presented to Amerie's family. The organization additionally gave a Presentation of Colors at Amerie's funeral Tuesday, it said.

"We will carry her story with us always and ensure her brave actions will endure for generations," the Girl Scouts chapter said.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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