It was fitting that Ella Whistler placed the Robert P. Connelly Medal of Heroism around Noblesville West Middle School teacher Jason Seaman’s neck. Whistler is one of the students Seaman protected after a student gunman started shooting inside a classroom this past May. Seaman tackled the student, but not before he and Whistler were shot. Police say Seaman’s bravery that day saved lives.

The Noblesville Kiwanis Sunrisers Club nominated Seaman for the honor. The Connelly Medal of Heroism is presented by Kiwanis clubs to an individual who risks his or her own life to save someone else’s. It is named in honor of Robert P. Connelly, who attempted to rescue a woman who had fallen into the path of a passenger train. Both died in the accident.  

Recipients must:

• risk his or her own life by accepting self-imposed personal responsibility in the effort to save the life of another human being. The nominee need not be a member of Kiwanis.
• perform the act of heroism outside his or her normal employment duties or hours.
• must have no official responsibility for the act. 
• not be closely related to the person involved in the rescue effort.
• be made within one year of the incident.

Submissions are made online. If all the criteria are met, the club will be provided information about ordering the award and holding a presentation ceremony. More information about the award and criteria can be found here.