The American Red Cross North Texas Region proudly awarded Plano, Texas resident Adrian Ponce with the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for his heroic actions to help save the life of Marcia Hansen in September 2023. The ceremony occurred at the Plano Municipal Center on Monday, May 13, 2024, with City of Plano Mayor John B. Muns and Red Cross North Texas Region CEO Linda Braddy.

“It was an exciting experience getting that award and knowing how hard I worked to be a lifeguard,” Ponce said. “This award shows I’m able to show I can use my skills rather than just saying I can. I would like to thank Katherine Bell, my boss, for helping me with the process.”

While volunteering at the City House Gala last September at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, Ponce, a 17-year-old attending Plano Senior High School, heard people calling for help. He rushed to assist, finding Hansen on the floor of the restroom with blood pooling around her after she fell and struck her head. Recalling his Red Cross training, he used clothing to apply pressure to her wound to control the bleeding and he helped keep her conscious until medical personnel arrived to take over her care. Bell nominated Ponce for the honor after his actions that night.

“Adrian relied on the skills he learned from his Red Cross training and acted quickly and decisively during a crisis,” Braddy said. “He exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. We commend him for his willingness to help others in distress.”

The Certificate of Merit is the highest award the Red Cross gives individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. The Certificate of Merit is signed by the President of the United States, who traditionally serves as the Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross.

“Adrian, we are so proud of you,” Mayor Muns said. “We thank [the American Red Cross] for presenting this honor, and we thank you [Adrian] for what you did that night, and for many more nights to come, I’m sure, because you have that heart — what we always consider to be that community heart of Plano.”