by Mike Matzinger
Izzie Playfair, a member of Middle Tennessee Scouts BSA Troop 78, has earned two of Scouting America’s highest national honors — the National Certificate of Merit and the National Medal of Merit — for acts of bravery, compassion, and lifesaving service.
At just 14 years old, Izzie received the National Certificate of Merit after helping rescue a driver trapped in an overturned car in Biloxi, Mississippi. “Thanks to Scouting, I was able to help this man,” she shared. This award is incredibly rare, with only 14 Scouts in Middle Tennessee earning it in the last decade.
Two years later, Izzie’s courage shone again when she found her neighbor, Jim O’Keefe, injured in the road. She immediately called for help, administered first aid, and stayed by his side until emergency personnel arrived. Jim later said, “I truly believe that a large part of the reason I’m back was the emergency care and hope that Izzie provided. She is my guardian angel.”
For her quick thinking and extraordinary care, Izzie was awarded the National Medal of Merit, one of Scouting’s rarest recognitions, which is presented to fewer than 80 Scouts nationwide each year.
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