While preparing dinner on February 15, Maggie's grandfather became ill and fell to the floor. Maggie quickly and calmly sprang into action. She called her father on his cell phone to tell him of the incident. Maggie's father immediately called 911, Maggie's mother and neighbors for help on a separate phone. He then walked Maggie through the steps of checking her grandfather's vital signs. Maggie also made sure the gas stove that her grandfather was cooking on had been turned off. When Maggie's grandfather regained consciousness, he couldn't talk clearly, catch his breath or stand up. Maggie got a small pillow that she placed under his head and instructed her three-year-old sister to get a small towel that she could dampen and place on her grandfather's forehead. When help arrived, Maggie recalled what happened and showed paramedics where her grandfather kept his medicine.
"I know I am her father, but I have never in my life been so proud of anyone," said John Miksch, Maggie's father. "At seven years of age, (Maggie) never panicked, cried or left her grandfather's side."
Lifesaving Awards have been a part of Girl Scouts since Girl Scouting began in the United States in 1912. These awards recognize Girl Scouts from 5-17 years of age who have heroically saved or attempted to save a life. There are two Lifesaving Awards -- the Lifesaving Bronze Cross is given for saving a life or attempting to save a life with risk to the candidate's own life and the Lifesaving Medal of Honor is given for saving a life or attempting to save a life without risk to the candidate's own life. Maggie earned the Lifesaving Medal of Honor.
"The mission of Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place," said Mary Vitek, chief executive office for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. "Maggie is a living testament to the highest principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and we could not be prouder of her achievement."
In 2012, only 13 girls in the nation earned this prestigious award. Maggie was awarded hers on August 29.
