Latest news with #CommunityHeroAward
Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
Who is Derrick Perry? The shopper who averted major tragedy as 11 people stabbed at Walmart in Michigan
What began as a regular Saturday afternoon at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, quickly descended into chaos as a 42-year-old man began stabbing customers at random. According to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, the attacker entered the store around 5 pm. wielding a folding knife, ultimately injuring 11 people — six critically and five seriously. But amid the panic, one man's courageous actions helped prevent further bloodshed. Derrick Perry, a local resident shopping with his family at the Walmart store, is being credited with stopping the attacker before more lives were lost. Eyewitnesses say Perry ran toward the suspect while others fled. 'He didn't even hesitate,' said one shopper who witnessed the incident. 'Everyone was running away, but Derrick ran toward the danger.' Security footage reportedly shows Perry using a store shelf for cover before lunging at the attacker, tackling him to the ground, and restraining him until law enforcement arrived. 'He was just a shopper like the rest of us, but he acted like someone who had trained for this,' said another witness. 'He was calm, precise, and brave.' Sources later confirmed that Perry has a background in security training, which may explain his composed and effective intervention. Traverse City Police Chief Lauren Gilbert praised Perry's selfless actions, saying, 'Had he not stepped in when he did, the situation could've turned much worse. He likely saved lives.' Sheriff Michael Shea added that the attacker appeared to act alone and that the victims were chosen at random. City officials are reportedly preparing to honor Derrick Perry with a Community Hero Award in the coming days. On social media, he is being hailed as a real-life hero. 'He didn't come in wearing a cape,' a local resident posted on Facebook. 'But he showed the kind of courage you only see in movies.' Munson Healthcare confirmed that all 11 victims are being treated at the region's largest hospital. As of Sunday morning, four were in serious condition, and seven were in fair condition. 'Encouraging signs of recovery' have been observed, hospital spokesperson Megan Brown said. Authorities say the attacker used a folding knife and that there is currently no known motive. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the incident a 'brutal act of violence,' adding, 'Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this.' The FBI has also offered assistance in the investigation. Steven Carter, a Walmart delivery driver, saw part of the attack unfold in the parking lot. 'I saw him cut a woman's throat,' he said. 'Later, a group of shoppers surrounded him. They kept yelling 'Drop the knife,' but he said, 'I don't care, I don't care.' He kept backing away before someone tackled and subdued him.' That someone, it turns out, was Derrick Perry.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Abertillery Learning Community awards evening 2025
The event brought together students, families, staff, and community partners to showcase the compassion, commitment, and community spirit of learners, and thank them for their efforts. Headteacher Tracey Jarvis says: "It was a lovely evening and a powerful reminder of what makes our school truly special, our amazing and inspiring children and young people. "I was so proud to hear all about their achievements which really does remind us of all of what can be achieved when a community like Abertillery comes together. "Well done everyone." The full list of award winners: Volunteer of the Year: Disability Pathway volunteer Cerys Palmer, for her unwavering support and positive attitude while helping children aged 4-12 swim safely and have fun. Special Recognition Award: Niamh Tetley, Lanah-Mai Coles, Ava Staley, Darcie Gallier-Morgan and Amelia Williams, for their compassionate interactions with a local lady with dementia. Act of Kindness Award: Evan Small, for his quiet acts of kindness, including reaching out to support a friend's family member with terminal cancer. Eco-Warrior Award: Lillian Tinker, for transforming her school's recycling efforts and raising awareness about waste reduction. Young Carer Award: Kailen Williams, for balancing school and caregiving responsibilities with remarkable courage. Community Hero Award: Class 10LS, for their teamwork in providing warm meals to families affected by a landslide. Arts and Culture Award: Oliver Harmer, a talented musician who supports community events. Pupil Recognition Award: Isabella Mathelin, for her dedication and leadership in disability swimming lessons. Charitable Champion Award: Archie Williams, for his tireless support of local charities and fundraising efforts. Community Personality of the Year Award: Erin Grote, for her inspiring use of sign language and captivating performances. Chair of governors Darryl Tovey said: 'Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event so memorable - from presenters and organisers to families and friends who joined us in celebration. "And most importantly, congratulations to our award winners, and every pupil who continues to make our school and community such an inspiring place to be.'
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Carers Week: 'Shining the light' on young carers in South East
For many young people across the South East, their focus revolves around school, homework, catching up with friends and enjoying interests and some face the extra responsibility of caring for a family member who has a health condition or living with a 14, from Gravesend in Kent, looks after his older brother Henry, who has autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and a sleeping and eating mother Natalie told the BBC: "I feel guilty sometimes because Billy doesn't have a child's life. He doesn't go out with his friends because he wants to stay home and help me." Billy was eight years old when he started looking after Henry. He said initially he found the extra responsibilities "tough"."I struggled to keep up with homework as well, but I can now manage the different tasks," he added."When I come home from school, I look after Henry. I cook his food, do the washing and I wait for mum as she returns late from work." On Saturdays, Billy tidies the rooms, maintains the front and back gardens and does the who is a single parent, said: "I don't ask Billy to do the tasks, he takes them on himself." Billy was a recipient of the Community Hero Award at the Gravesham Civic and Community Awards 2025 in May. He is also a member of the Shadow Youth Board and the Young Carer National Voice and he advocates passionately for more support and recognition of young though Billy has taken on care responsibilities, he finds time to engage in his own hobbies such as growing tomatoes and playing rugby and basketball. "When I grow up, I want to be a PE teacher or a police officer," he said. Fifteen-year-old Oliver from Eastbourne in East Sussex is the sole carer for his mother Wendy, who has a pacemaker and a mechanical heart valve and takes special medication for her was a recipient of BBC's Make A Difference Award last year. While he was recognised for his dedication, he admitted the extra responsibilities are "challenging" at times. "Mum is proud of me. We get through it together and we support each other," Oliver said. Oliver was eight years old when he saved his mother's life by contacting 999 after she collapsed in the middle of the night. He told Radio Sussex that at the time he was dealing with the situation, fear had not crossed his mind."Looking back it was scary," he said. "Mum does feel guilty some times with me looking after her, but I try to let her care for me when she can." 'Young carers feel lonely' Rosie Lowman, service manager for East Sussex charity Care for the Carers, said it has received an increasing number of referrals for young carers from ages five to 17. According to the charity, there are about 8,000 young carers in the county. To support the youngsters, it has launched a fundraising appeal to keep its Young Carers Groups to Action For Children, eight out of 10 young carers feel lonely during summer holidays. "While many young people look forward to a summer break young carers could face an increase in their caring role and as a result they feel more isolated from their peers," Ms Lowman said."We want to use Carers Week (9-15 June) to shine the light on young carers and how important respite is for them."Oliver said support groups are vital so young carers "do not feel alone". "It's crucial every young carer gets the same opportunities as other young people," Oliver added.
Edmonton Journal
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Brent Dodginghorse wins NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award
Article content Dodginghorse, who won the WHL's President's Cup with the Calgary Hitmen in 1999, is also a consultant for the Calgary Flames and works with the 7 Chiefs Hockey Program with his cousin Kyle Dodginghorse, speaking about diversity and acting as a mentor for young players at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and the Chief Jim Starlight Centre on Tsuut'ina Nation. ''He has been such a tremendous advocate and friend and peer and mentor to our entire organization at the Calgary Flames and Calgary Hitmen,' said Candice Goudie, the executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation, in an interview with last month. 'A lot of what we've built as far as inclusion in our minor hockey programs and in our celebration games, Brent has been a part of that. We are just so lucky to have him.' The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award is named after the former NHLer who became the first Black player to compete in the league when he stepped onto the ice with the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958. Dodginghorse will receive a $25,000 prize in the form of a donation to the charity of his choice.
Edinburgh Reporter
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Community award catalyst for South ground plea to MP
And Edinburgh South are hoping that a visit from Ian Murray MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, will help build political will to deliver a much-needed home ground for a club with more than 1,000 players across all age groups. Mr Murray who is MP for Edinburgh South, visited Inch Park to deliver the Community Hero Award to volunteer coaches and helpers who keep the women's and girls' section running. Standing just yards from the site of the proposed new community-use ground, the politician watched as groups from the under-8s to the senior recreational women were put through their paces on the grass pitches currently being used for sessions. He has been supportive of South's bid to build a proper home for one of the biggest community clubs in Scotland, and was also presented with his own Edinburgh South jersey as a way of thanking him for his efforts. He heard more details of the club's full pathway from Saturday Soccer School right through to the women's first team, who have just finished runners-up in the SWFL East – a little more than three years on from the first open training session to recruit players. South remain hopeful that The City of Edinburgh Council will deliver on its previous commitment of land at the Inch Park Nursery site, with the current spread of public parks and school facilities causing boys and girls to be turned away on a weekly basis. Joe Sneddon, Edinburgh South chief executive, stressed the importance of facilities as he praised volunteers for providing existing opportunities for women and girls, saying: 'This award is a testament to the sheer determination and hard work of our volunteers, who've built a thriving girls' programme here at Edinburgh South CFC despite operating within a wider football system that still favours the boys' game. 'They've created a full pathway from first kick to senior football in one of the toughest grassroots environments – all without access to our own all-weather facility. 'Support and recognition like this from Ian Murray genuinely makes a difference. It shines a light on what's already being achieved and strengthens the case for the investment needed to secure the future of girls' and women's football in South Edinburgh.' While the UK Government unveiled a new £8.6 million war chest for grassroots sports facilities in March, South can't even apply for funding until the council greenlight the transfer of land – meaning that South, who aren't asking local taxpayers to commit to the project, remain in limbo. South have plans in place to develop a full-sized floodlit all-weather pitch meeting SFA licensing criteria, plus a pitch-side pavilion with changing facilities and essential physio/first aid spaces. This would provide not only a training base and home ground for both the men's and women's teams, but the countless youth sides currently struggling with inadequate facilities. * ESCFC currently has 75 teams and provides both competitive and recreational sporting opportunities for over 1000 number of players. * The club works closely with local schools, the SFA and external partners to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. * The club runs a free Soccer School for 5-8-year-olds, with up to 120 children attending each week. This is one of the largest free football programmes in Scotland. * Over 200 volunteers support the club's operation, from administrative staff to qualified team coaches. Joe Sneddon spoke to The Edinburgh Reporter at Peffermill about the need for movement from the council: Edinburgh Southern football club's girls and women's section volunteers received a community award Local MP Ian Murray with Agne Celik Southern's Head of Women and Girls section. Like this: Like Related
