A Saskatoon teacher in Evan Hardy’s collegiateSean Hayes has been awarded the Carnegie Medal after risking his life to save a student from being attacked.
The 33-year-old teacher suffered burns on several parts of his body while extinguishing the fire and has since recovered.
“There wasn’t really time to think or plan — my body just responded in the moment. I’m grateful for the colleagues who were there to offer support and help, and for the sense of purpose and grounding it brought me,” Hayes says in a statement.
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The award is one of North America’s highest honors for heroism, recognizing those who risk themselves on an extraordinary scale while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
During the September 2024 attack, Hayes saw one student douse another student with gasoline before setting it on fire.
Hayes tried multiple ways to put out the fire before finally putting out the flames using his shirt.
“I hope this recognition reflects the importance of taking care of each other whenever the opportunity presents itself,” Hayes said.
The teenage attacker is now serving a three-year sentence.
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