TAMPA, Fla. ––– Eight-year-old Gary Ancrile received a Good Samaritan Award for his actions following his teacher’s grand mal seizure.

On Monday, April 19, Courtney Knowles was teaching her second grade class at Davidson Elementary School when she experienced a grand mal seizure.

Following the attack, the children began to scream and ask her if she was all right.

“Be quiet,” said Gary. “Mrs. Knowles is having a seizure.”

He then asked one student to push the call button, another to go after a nurse and a third to get the teacher next door.

When the principal arrived, Gary explained the situation, and Knowles received immediate medical attention.

Gary’s mother, Sonia, credits scouting for Gary’s helpful response. “Even though he was scared, he was able to stay calm and get his teacher the help she needed,” said Sonia. “I really believe because of scouting and always discussing what to do in an emergency, Gary was able to respond the way he did.”

The age requirements for the Good Samaritan Award were recently lowered from 12 to 6, making Gary the youngest Good Samaritan to date. The Cub Scout received the award from Wesley Memorial UMC in Tampa. He was also nominated for a Boy Scout Heroism Award.