Hadiya Pendleton's Friend Honored for Shielding Friend From Gunfire
Published: February 19, 2014
Chicago, IL (February 17, 2014) — The Boy Scouts of America will award Eagle Scout Lawrence D. Sellers with the Honor Medal later this week. Sellers will be recognized for selflessly shielding a friend from gunfire in Chicago’s Harsh Park last year where he received non-life-threatening wounds. Sellers was shot in the leg during the attack that killed his King College Prep classmate, Hadiya Pendleton, who has become a national symbol of Chicago’s violence.
“We are very proud of Lawrence,” said Council Commissioner Lou Sandoval. “His actions represent one of the many ways that Scouting impacts the many young men and women who participate: servant leadership.”
Sellers maintains a humble perspective on his heroic actions. He credits his instinct and upbringing. “I did what I needed to do,” Sellers said. “I didn’t think I would receive an award, but I’m honored.”
Lawrence Sellers was wounded in the same shooting that left Hadiya Pendleton dead. Sellers is being honored by the Boy Scouts for shielding a friend during the shooting.
DNAinfo/Darryl Holiday
Sellers grew up in a Scouting family. His two older brothers both became Eagle Scouts, the highest rank in Boy Scouts; his father was a Scoutmaster; and his mother and sister were involved in Girl Scouts. When asked what might be possible if more of Chicago’s youth were involved in Scouting, Sellers said: “If most of the children that are out there now were in Scouting, they would know right from wrong better than they do now.”
Chicago has been challenged with a spike in gang violence over the past few years. The 104-year-old Scouting movement has been working behind the scenes with proven results in the development of character and core leadership skills. When Sellers was asked what he envisions as a solution for youth violence, he responded: “I don’t think there’s a simple solution, not simple enough for me to come up with, at least.”
Sellers’ leg wound has healed and he is now focused on selecting a college where he will work toward a degree in education so he can become a math teacher.
The Boy Scouts will present Sellers with the Honor Medal on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Chicago Area Council Annual Dinner. He will be available for interviews on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Boy Scouts Chicago Area Council office. His mom and brother will also be available for questions.
The Honor Medal recognizes individuals who have demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self. The award has been given to 2,354 people since it’s inception in 1923.
Chicago Area Council, Boy Scouts of America serves thousands of youth across Chicagoland through traditional Scouting programs, Learning for Life and Exploring. The principal purpose of all Chicago Area Council programs is to instill positive values and prepare youth for life. To learn more, visit www.chicagobsa.org.
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