MoCo Fifth Grader Honored For Saving Younger Student's Life

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A fifth grader who quickly acted to prevent a younger student from crossing in front of a car was honored at a School Safety Patrol ceremony.

Matthew Geiger, who serves as a safety patrol at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney, carried out the quick-thinking save back in March.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Ragina Ali said during the ceremony that Geiger was on patrol when he saw a distracted, younger student steps away from crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

"Matthew performed a life-saving action at one of your school's busiest areas," Ali said during the ceremony. "Recognizing the immediate danger, Matthew acted proactively by physically intervening and immediately extending an arm that blocked the younger student's path."

"He communicated the hazards, pointing out the moving vehicle to ensure the student understood the danger, and he maintained the holding until the vehicle came to a complete stop and it was safe to proceed," she added.

Geiger not only received recognition at his school but was also presented with a medal. Ali said that Geiger was just one of two children in the nation to receive such an award.