TEEN HERO

St Catherine teenager Adrian Ellis says he was shocked but deeply honoured to learn that he will receive the prestigious Badge of Honour for Gallantry after stepping in to save a schoolmate who suffered a serious head injury earlier this year.

The 14-year-old ninth-grader at Ascot High School is the youngest of the 141 individuals selected for National Honours and Awards this year – and the only recipient in the gallantry category, which recognises extraordinary acts of bravery in service to others. Other honourees are being recognised for their contributions across sectors such as entertainment, health, finance, sports, and education.

An aspiring footballer and future soldier, Ellis admitted that he is still processing the recognition.

“I am feeling great,” he told The Gleaner yesterday , still beaming from the surprise announcement made by his member of parliament, Alando Terrelonge, on Wednesday.

“This award is very special to me because it’s my first national award. It will motivate me to continue helping others,” said the resident of Gregory Park in Portmore.

Everybody ‘in shock’

The courageous act took place in May near the Portmore Mall in St Catherine as students were on their way to school. Ellis recalled seeing his friend and classmate, Roxanna Riley, fall and strike her head on the pavement after being tripped by another student.

“Everybody did in a shock, but mi and another boy went to help her,” Ellis recalled. “I took off my undershirt and tied it around her head to stop the bleeding.”

Despite not having any formal first-aid training, Ellis said he had picked up emergency response tips from watching movies and TikTok videos. Relying on instinct, he did what he could to prevent his friend from losing too much blood.

Riley, who is also in grade nine, has since recovered and remains deeply grateful for Ellis’ quick thinking.

“Him deserve it. I am very happy for him,” she said. “The doctor told me that if Adrian didn’t stop the bleeding, I could’ve lost my life.”

She remembered calling Ellis after returning from the hospital to personally thank him.

Ellis’s bravery has earned him admiration not just nationally, but also among his family and community members.

Rush of pride

His sister, Enysee Leighton, said she was at work when co-workers showed her a video of the incident, and she immediately felt a rush of pride.

She said when she went home, her brother told her what had happened and that people around were just laughing, but he pulled off his shirt and assisted the girl.

Therefore, she said, “I am feeling excited that he has been selected for the award.”

Asked what encouragement she had for him, she said, “Continue doing his best and make the family proud.”

Ellis’ grandmother, Pansy Spencer, couldn’t contain her joy, describing Ellis as “a nice, helpful and caring grandson”.

“If mi not feeling well and say mi want likkle tea, him the first one fi come say, ‘Mama, what kind of tea yuh want?’” she shared with a laugh.

Spencer shared that Ellis also protects and dotes on his young niece like a big brother.

“Him tek care a her like she him little sister. She cry after him all the time,” said Spencer.

She added with a chuckle: “Since the award, him get real ‘boasy’. Him say him turning celebrity now.”

She recounted proudly that during Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ recent tour of the community, Ellis shook the PM’s hand and shared a moment.

“He is feeling so proud, but I told him all him do just behave himself and work same way because everybody, the entire community – even people abroad – are happy for him,” she said.

The Ceremony for the Investiture of National Honours and Awards Ceremony will take place on National Heroes Day in October.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com