Vaught awards Reinhardt students for their bravery
The White Rock Lake Weekly—February 25th, 2010
State Representative Allen Vaught presented Larry Collins, 12, and Adam Parsons, 11, with official State of Texas Resolutions this week. Adam saved Larry’s life when he pulled him out of a busy intersection after he had been hit by a car. Larry remained hospitalized in a coma after the accident and Adam never left his friend’s bedside. Representative Vaught read about the boys plight in White Rock Lake Weekly and was so moved by both boys bravery through their ordeal that he presented them with the honors. “I am moved by your bravery,” Vaught told the boys. Vaught shared that he, too, had been hit by a car when he was a child. Joining the young men for the ceremony was their teacher at Reinhardt, Millie Jean Coppedge, who taught both boys and wrote the original newspaper story. She has been teaching at Reinhardt for 25 years.
Adam Parsons Resolution:
WHEREAS, Adam Parsons, a sixth-grader at Gaston Middle School in Dallas, demonstrated extraordinary courage and composure in coming to the aid of his best friend, Larry Collins, following a serious accident on July 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The two boys were attempting to cross a busy intersection together when Larry was struck by a car and seriously injured; Adam acted quickly to pull Larry out of the street with the help of a bystander and then ensured that Larry lay still while they waited for an ambulance; after explaining to the paramedics what had happened, he ran home to notify his mother; and
WHEREAS, Arriving at the hospital, Adam learned that his friend was in a coma in the intensive care unit; he checked on Larry regularly and slept in the waiting room that night; the nurses told him that Larry could still hear and encouraged Adam to talk to him, so in the days that followed, Adam sat at Larry’s side and chatted as if his friend were listening; when Larry emerged from his coma a few days later, Adam was overjoyed; and
WHEREAS, Through his swift and brave response to a traumatic event, Adam Parsons distinguished himself not only as a responsible young Texan, but also as a truly caring friend, and he is indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Adam Parsons be honored for his heroic actions in behalf of Larry Collins and that he be extended sincere best wishes for a very bright and promising future.
Larry Collins Resolution:
WHEREAS, Larry Collins, a fifth-grader at Reinhardt Elementary School in Dallas, demonstrated great resilience and courage in recovering from a serious accident that occurred on July 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Attempting to cross a busy street with his best friend, Adam Parsons, Larry was struck by a car and gravely injured; he was rushed to Dallas Children’s Medical Center, where he was in a coma for three days; on his fourth day in the intensive care unit, he opened his eyes and emphatically told the nurses who hovered nearby to go and get some sleep; hearing the agitation in his voice, his mother knew he was on his way to recovery; and
WHEREAS, Larry soon emerged completely from the coma and requested food; he ate a hearty meal, including his favorite dish, macaroni and cheese, and after having a full breakfast the next day, he was released to go home; his friend Adam, who had sat by his side for many hours in the hospital, was eagerly awaiting his return; and
WHEREAS, With strength, spirit, and the help of the medical community and his family and friends, Larry Collins survived a traumatic accident to the delight of all who know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Larry Collins be congratulated on his recovery from a life-threatening accident and that he be extended sincere best wishes for a very bright and promising future.
