Milford Girl Scout honored for acts of heroism

MILFORD — At just 12 years old, Brianna Faith Kiretchjian from Milford proved that a girl can be a heroine at any age when she helped saved her mother’s life.

Last fall, Brianna recognized that her mother, Patti Kiretchjian, was exhibiting symptoms of a stroke and proceeded to assist her in getting immediate medical attention.

Her acts of heroism also got the attention of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania when they honored Brianna, now 13, from Cadette Troop 52696, with the Rising Star Award at the 2014 Inspiring Generations Gala on Sept. 10 at the Hershey Lodge.

The Rising Star Award honors a current Girl Scout who is active, inspiring, and has used her experience and training for good.

“Girl Scouts is very important to me because without it I wouldn't have known what to do when my mother was having a stroke,” said Brianna.

When she noticed her mother’s slurred speech and strange behavior, she knew she had to remain calm while she searched her mother’s symptoms online. Brianna suspected it was TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or a mini-stroke. She convinced her mother that she needed to go to the hospital. Upon arriving, Patti Kiretchjian was able to receive help right away.

“If we had waited 20 more minutes the outcome could have been a lot worse," Patti said. "Brianna is our hero."

Patti also thanks Brianna’s Girl Scout troop leaders for guiding her daughter and the rest of the Girl Scout troop through the years.

“For more than a century Girl Scouts has inspired generations of girls and women to live to their fullest potential," said Jane Ransom, CEO of the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. "We’re celebrating some outstanding girls and women who have thrived and contributed to community as a result of being in the Girl Scouts."

Keynote speaker and CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Anna Maria Chávez, congratulated Brianna as she presented her award.

In early 2014 Brianna received the Medal of Honor from Girl Scouts of the USA.

Brianna is the daughter of Gregory and Patti Kiretchjian and attends Dingman-Delaware Middle School. She has been a Girl Scout for eight years.