Jencie Fagan

Jencie Fagan of Reno, Nevada, for going above and beyond with her brave stand against a school shooter. A gym teacher at Pine Middle School in Reno, Fagan was preparing for class on March 14, 2006, when she was interrupted by the sound of gunshots. Running into the hallway, she discovered an armed 14-year-old student randomly firing at his fellow classmates. Ushering nearby students to cover, Fagan, with complete disregard for her own safety, called out the student’s name and approached him. Engaging him in an empathetic conversation, she was able to focus all of the boy’s attention on her and away from the others. Earning his trust, she convinced him to put down his weapon. She then embraced the student and held him in a “hug hold” until police and other staff arrived. Fagan’s quick thinking and courageous actions resulted in the prevention of a devastating tragedy with no lives being lost that day.



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