Minneapolis Student Honored for Shielding Classmate in School Shooting

11-year-old Victor Greenawalt receives Young Hero Award for life-saving bravery

Mar. 26, 2026 at 4:00am

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An 11-year-old Minneapolis student named Victor Greenawalt will be honored in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening with the Young Hero Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Victor shielded his classmate Weston Halsne with his own body when gunfire erupted at their school, Annunciation Catholic School, last August. Both Victor and his sister were wounded in the attack, which left two children dead and over two dozen others injured before the shooter died by suicide.

Why it matters

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School was a tragic event that devastated the Minneapolis community. Victor's selfless act of protecting his friend during the attack has been hailed as a symbol of hope and humanity in the face of senseless violence.

The details

As shots came through the windows of the school's church, Victor used his own body to shield his friend and classmate Weston Halsne. "My friend Victor, like, saved me though. He laid on top of me, but he got hit," Weston told a local news station. "He was really brave." Victor will receive the Young Hero Award, which recognizes Americans 17 and under who display courage in life-threatening circumstances.

  • The shooting occurred on August 27th, 2025.
  • Victor will receive the Young Hero Award on Wednesday, March 26th, 2026.

The players

Victor Greenawalt

An 11-year-old Minneapolis sixth-grader who shielded his classmate Weston Halsne with his own body during the school shooting, saving Weston's life.

Weston Halsne

Victor Greenawalt's classmate, who Victor protected by shielding him during the school shooting.

Annie Greenawalt

Victor Greenawalt's mother, who expressed gratitude for the recognition of her son's brave actions.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The organization that is honoring Victor Greenawalt with the Young Hero Award for his life-saving bravery.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored that Victor is receiving this incredible recognition for the act of protecting his friend on August 27th. He also represents the untold stories of the brave actions taken by many children and adults in response to the senseless violence that took Harper and Fletcher from us.”

— Annie Greenawalt, Victor Greenawalt's mother

What’s next

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society will present Victor Greenawalt with the Young Hero Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, March 26th, 2026.

The takeaway

Victor Greenawalt's selfless act of shielding his classmate during the school shooting has been recognized as an inspiring example of courage and humanity in the face of tragedy. His story highlights the bravery of children who step up to protect their peers, even in the most harrowing circumstances.