Teen Hero Honored After Saving Woman’s Life During School Trip

May 22, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Silverton, Oregon.

A 16-year-old student from Silverton High School is being hailed as a hero after stepping in to save a woman's life during a recent school outing.

Violet Ammons is celebrated by the American Red Cross / Credit: KATU

Violet Ammon, a sophomore, received special recognition from the American Red Cross for her courageous and life-saving actions.

The award ceremony was held at Silverton High School, where Violet was presented with a certificate and other tokens of appreciation in front of her peers and school staff.

While on a field trip for her leadership class, Violet noticed a woman choking during lunch. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, checking on the woman and calling for help before performing the Heimlich maneuver. Her quick thinking dislodged the object and saved the woman’s life.

“I took a CPR and first aid class through Silverton CPR,” Violet told KATU. “I mean, I saw she needed help, and I helped her, and I didn't really think about what I did until way after.”

Her teacher, Alyssa Ogle, shared that the class was out shopping for families in need when the incident happened.

“We were on a trip for our leadership class. We were doing some shopping for the holiday season for families in need. And a bunch of people in a room, no one helping, just Violet. So I thought she deserves to be recognized for helping this lady essentially saving her life,” she said.