By Jocelyn Hillard, American Red Cross

From a young age, Calvin and JD Vance of Southington were taught that helping others wasn’t just something you did in a moment of crisis — it was a way of life.

Their father, Windham, a dedicated five-gallon blood donor, and their mother, Sabina, both longtime Scout leaders, have consistently demonstrated the values of service and community. Whether donating blood, guiding Scouts, or lending a hand where it’s needed, Calvin and JD have grown up seeing that helping others is simply part of everyday life.

Last August, during a stretch of long, hot summer days, a group of Southington High School band students — including Calvin, a senior; sophomore JD; and their friend and fellow sophomore, Lily Dauphinais — took a midday break from camp to cool off at a classmate’s pool.

It was meant to be a fun, ordinary afternoon among friends. But it was Lily who first sensed something wasn’t right.

Calvin, who is certified as a Red Cross lifeguard, quickly understood the seriousness of what she was seeing.

“We were all in the pool just having a good time,” Calvin said. “People were getting in, and Lily told me her friend was sitting at the bottom of the pool for a while. I thought he was just relaxing… I felt him and he wasn’t moving so I picked him up, tapped him on the shoulder and said, ‘Hey man, wake up.’ His lips were blue.”

Jumping into action, Calvin motioned to JD to help get the boy out of the water, while Lily quickly called 9‑1‑1 and relayed information to emergency operators.

“I had spoken to the operators and helped out with the rest of our section who were dealing with the feelings of processing what was happening,” Lily said. “I kept the rest of us under control and bringing the [first responders] to the scene when they arrived.”

JD began CPR right away, using skills he and Calvin had first learned through Scouting. Calvin and Lily helped clear the area and provide support as JD continued compressions for at least three minutes until emergency personnel arrived.

“It was a group effort,” Calvin said, “and he ended up making a full recovery.”

The American Red Cross honored that courage at the boy’s Scouting Court of Honor with National Lifesaving Awards — fitting to be amongst other teens in the community who train to be prepared. Calvin received the Certificate of Merit, the organization’s highest award for Red Cross–trained lifesavers. JD and Lily received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.

CPR emergencies often happen in everyday settings, including at home, at school, or during routine activities, and most often involve someone the responder knows. That day, Calvin, JD, and Lily drew on the skills they had learned and stayed steady for a friend who needed them.

“I just thank God they were there that day and had the wherewithal to do what they did,” said Windham. “I am so incredibly proud of all three of them for making a difference that day.''

Learn how you can be prepared at redcross.org/take-a-class.