On the evening of November 12th, sophomore Ryan Hernandez was not thinking about recognition: He was thinking about safety.

While traveling home with his family, Ryan–a 15-year-old junior firefighter with the Birdsboro-Union Fire Department–encountered a working structure fire just steps from his home. Before fire apparatus arrived and as conditions rapidly worsened, Ryan bravely took immediate action. Flames were already engulfing the front porch and pushing into the residence as the homeowner repeatedly attempted to re-enter the structure to retrieve his belongings.

Drawing on his training and remarkable composure, Ryan intervened, physically pulling the occupant away from the home and insisting he remain outside. Ryan also quickly recognized that the individual had suffered possible burn injuries and relayed that information to arriving firefighters, allowing medical care to begin without delay. His calm, decisive actions helped prevent a life-threatening situation from becoming even more dangerous.

Ryan’s heroic act of bravery was recently relayed by Jonathan Matthews, the Assistant Chief of the Birdsboro-Union Fire Department, to the principal of the high school, Mr. Tom Campbell. For his courage and sound judgment, Mr. Campbell presented Ryan today with a Soaring Eagle Award, one of the ways high school recognizes students who consistently do the right thing–whether in everyday moments or extraordinary circumstances.

The Soaring Eagle Award was created several years ago to recognize students who consistently demonstrate strong character, responsibility and care for others. Teachers and staff nominate students for actions that reflect positive citizenship, with approximately 10–20 awards presented each week. Most awards honor everyday moments of doing the right thing, while Ryan’s recognition highlights the very highest expression of courage and character the program was designed to celebrate.

More importantly, says Mr. Campbell, it reinforces the message that character matters just as much as academic success.

“There’s a stereotype that being called to the principal’s office means you’re in trouble,” said Mr. Campbell. “But the Soaring Eagle is about celebrating students when they make good decisions–especially when those decisions put others first.”

Service has long been a part of Ryan’s life. He began firefighting as a cadet at age 12 and now volunteers with two fire companies. In addition, Ryan is enrolled in the Protective Services and Homeland Security program at Berks Career and Technology Center, where he studies emergency response fields including fire, EMS, and law enforcement. He balances his rigorous training and volunteer responsibilities with his role as a student, and following graduation, he hopes to continue his service in the emergency response field through a career in firefighting or a related profession.

Firefighting is also a family tradition for Ryan, with multiple generations of his family having served as volunteer firefighters. That legacy, combined with his own dedication and work ethic, has helped shape his calm approach in high-pressure situations and his desire to help others when it matters most–which is exactly what the Soaring Eagle is meant to celebrate and recognize.