KATY, Texas — A Girl Scout from Katy was honored at a ceremony Tuesday night for saving the life of her 2-year-old cousin earlier this year.
Ten-year-old Isabelle Carrasco received the Girl Scouts' Lifesaving Award from Girl Scout San Jacinto Council CEO Mary Vitek.
Isabelle was having fun with family and friends who had gathered to celebrate her 10th birthday at a pool party in Katy in May.
The children were taking turns striking a piñata when Isabelle suddenly heard a splash. She turned and saw her little cousin struggling in the water.
“I heard someone jump into the pool. I looked and saw Giovanna in the water,” Isabelle said. “Without thinking, I jumped into the water after her because I knew she needed help.”
One of Isabelle’s troop leaders, Barbara Temple, helped Isabelle pull the toddler out of the pool.
“The little girl could have drowned had Isabelle not been so quick to jump in after her,” Temple said. “Isabelle jumped in and grabbed the girl around the chest under her arms and pulled her up to the surface.”
Her family says Isabelle was a humble hero.
“She saw it as no big deal,” her mother, Zehra Carrasco, said. “I was shocked and crying. She was like, 'It’s just another day.'”
Giovanna and other family members were on hand to see Isabelle receive the award.
Isabelle also received a Medal of Honor, one of the highest honors given by Girl Scouts of the USA.
"You are a testament to the highest principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and embody what it means to be a girl of courage, confidence, and character who makes the world a better place," Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski told Isabelle in a letter.
