All Stories

Johnsburg (Illinois) High School honored Carthage student Dominik Drwila ’24 for his assistance at the scene of a car accident last month.

He was one of four “hometown heroes” recognized Oct. 8 at halftime of the school’s home football game.

Dominik Drwila ?24, second from left, was honored Oct. 8 in his hometown of Johnsburg, Illinois, ... Dominik Drwila ’24, second from left, was honored Oct. 8 in his hometown of Johnsburg, Illinois, for heroism at the scene of a car accident. Carthage trustee Gary Wilson, left, represented the college at the ceremony.While dining out in nearby Fox Lake before Johnsburg’s Homecoming dance on Sept. 25, Dominik and three other students witnessed a collision outside. A Facebook post from the Johnsburg Police Department describes their actions:

Upon hearing the crash, the four teenagers decided amongst themselves to run over to the scene to help. The four assisted in removing multiple young children from the car and carrying them to the safety of the side of the road, while police and paramedics arrived on location and tended to the crash scene and care of the mother.

The four cared for the young children on the side of the road until they could be returned to their mother.

“Those kids and adults were our first priority above our own,” Dominik said later. “We wanted to make sure that everyone was safe before going to do our own thing.”

Knowing that the students’ heroism made them late for the dance, authorities ensured they had a grand entrance. The Facebook post continues:

After hearing of the selflessness and service to fellow citizens the four displayed, the Johnsburg Police Department wanted to make sure that their good deeds did not go unnoticed. The four were provided an escort to the High School in marked squads with lights and sirens and dropped off outside the entrance to the dance.

Carthage trustee Gary Wilson represented the College at the halftime ceremony. Well done, Dominik!