An 11-year-old Minneapolis boy will receive a national honor award on Wednesday for using his own body to shield a classmate during a deadly school shooting that claimed two young lives.

Extraordinary Act of Courage

Victor Greenawalt will travel to Washington, D.C., to accept the Citizen Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The organization recognized him for demonstrating extraordinary bravery far beyond his years. During the August 27, 2025, attack at Annunciation Catholic School, Victor instinctively covered his friend Weston Halsne with his body as gunfire erupted through church windows. Victor sustained injuries while protecting Weston, whose life was saved by the selfless action.

Weston recalled the terrifying moments in an interview with Minneapolis television station KARE. He credited Victor with saving his life, describing how his friend laid on top of him despite being struck by gunfire himself. The young survivor emphasized Victor’s remarkable bravery during the chaotic scene. The shooter opened fire on students sitting in church pews, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old before taking his own life at the scene, according to police reports.

National Recognition for Young Hero

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society awards the Young Hero distinction to Americans age 17 or younger who display exceptional courage in dire situations. Victor joins five other individuals and one nonprofit organization as this year’s honorees. The recognition ceremony takes place in the nation’s capital, where Victor’s actions will be formally acknowledged alongside other citizens who performed acts of extraordinary service. The award highlights Americans who risk personal safety to protect others during critical emergencies.

Tragedy That Shocked Minneapolis

The mass shooting at the Catholic elementary school wounded multiple students and staff members beyond the two children killed. The attack occurred during what should have been a routine school day, transforming a place of learning and worship into a scene of violence. Law enforcement responded to the Catholic school in Minneapolis, where they found the shooter had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The community continues recovering from the trauma while honoring young heroes like Victor, who emerged from the tragedy. His recognition serves as a reminder of the courage displayed even by the youngest Americans when confronted with unimaginable danger.