Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 2013-02-28
Invested on: 2013-10-04
Samuel Rainville, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On July 28, 2010, Samuel Rainville rescued a fellow student from a possible drowning, during a school humanitarian visit to Guatemala. The students had gone for a swim in the Pacific Ocean but soon found that they were too far from shore. As they struggled to get to shallower water, one of the girls called out for help. Without thought for his own safety, Mr. Rainville battled against the violent waves to reach her. He grabbed the exhausted victim and, for many metres, unable to touch the bottom, held onto her tightly as he fought to bring her to safety. Once on the beach they collapsed in the sand. Somehow, Mr. Rainville found the strength to help another student get to shore. Sadly, another girl drowned during this incident.