At an annual meeting on May 3, 2017, a girl scout from Howard County was honored for her heroism that saved her friend's life.
On January 31, 2016, Melissa and her friends were playing outside when a man approached them. The man told Melissa's friend Summer that he wanted to be her friend. He grabbed her and picked her up.
Melissa saw what was happening and ran to Summer and pushed her out of the man's arms. The man then grabbed Melissa.
She was able to wrestle herself free and yell for help. She escaped with just bruises to her arm. The girls then ran to a parent's house and called police.
Melissa was a 7th grader in Cadette Troop 1724 in Howard County at the time. She was awarded the Bronze Cross, one of the highest honors bestowed upon Girl Scouts.
