Lucas Fearn, a senior at Free State High School, was recognized Wednesday with a high honor from the American Red Cross: the organization’s Lifesaving Award.
Fearn has been a lifeguard since May 2023. He jumped into action to give art teacher Jacob Lewis the Heimlich maneuver when he was choking, saving his life.
During a surprise gathering Wednesday afternoon, Lewis said he was lucky, and he appreciated Fearn’s help.
Jane Blocher, executive director of the Greater Kansas chapter of the American Red Cross, presented Fearn with the award.
Fearn’s “quick thinking, calm demeanor, and lifesaving skills turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of triumph and gratitude,” Blocher said.
“Lucas is no ordinary high school student. In addition to being an outstanding young individual, he is also a trained Red Cross lifeguard — proof of his dedication to preparedness and his commitment to safeguarding those around him,” Blocher said. “The training he received not only prepared him for lifeguarding duties but also equipped him to act decisively in a moment of unexpected crisis.”
Fearn also received the Lifesaving Award from the Lawrence Police Department.
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Nathan Kramer (he/him), a multimedia student journalist for The Lawrence Times since August 2024, is a junior at Free State High School. He is also a video editor for Free State’s student publication, where he works as a videographer, photographer and motion designer. See more of his work for the Times here.
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