Teens Honored with New York State Senate Liberty Medals for Heroic Actions Following Prom Night Fire

Four high school students were honored with one of the highest civilian awards in New York State this week, following a moment of bravery that turned a typical prom night into a night of heroism.

New York State Senators Joseph A. Griffo and Mark Walczyk presented the prestigious New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Aiden Kane, Donato Jellencich, and Tyler Sojda of Whitesboro High School, and Morgan Randall of Dolgeville Jr./Sr. High School. The medals recognize the teens’ swift and selfless actions to help a family escape a house fire on the night of Saturday, May 17.

It was just before 11 p.m. when the four friends were en route to a friend’s house after attending their junior prom. Driving through a residential area, Randall was the first to spot something out of place—a garage engulfed in flames, its glow breaking the quiet of the night. Rather than continuing on, the teens pulled over and jumped into action.

Aiden Kane ran to the front door of the home and began pounding on it to alert the family inside. When the door opened, he helped evacuate two young children and their father, guiding them to safety as the fire in the garage intensified. Meanwhile, Tyler Sojda checked the garage to make sure no one was trapped inside, and Donato Jellencich quickly dialed 911, providing critical information to first responders. Morgan Randall stayed with the evacuated family, helping to calm the frightened children as fire crews raced to the scene.

According to the Maynard Fire Department, the teens’ quick response may have prevented a far more devastating outcome. Flames from the garage had begun to encroach on the main house. Without their immediate actions, the fire could have reached the living quarters before firefighters arrived.

At a ceremony attended by local leaders, law enforcement, and education officials, Senators Griffo and Walczyk presented each student with a Liberty Medal—a rare and deeply meaningful honor bestowed on individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to others through acts of heroism or humanitarianism.

“Aiden Kane, Donato Jellencich, Tyler Sojda and Morgan Randall are very deserving of this recognition,” said Senator Griffo. “Each is to be commended for their fast response, quick thinking and the courageous actions they took to help a family whose garage was on fire. They are heroes and inspirational to many.”

Senator Walczyk echoed those sentiments. “The bravery and quick actions demonstrated by Morgan Randall, Donato Jellencich, Tyler Sojda, and Aiden Kane exemplify the true spirit of heroism. Their willingness to act in the face of danger not only saved lives but also inspired their community. These young individuals have shown us all what it means to be responsible citizens, and it is an honor to recognize their extraordinary courage with the New York State Senate Liberty Medals.”

The recognition ceremony was a moment of pride not only for the students but for the wider Whitesboro and Dolgeville communities. In attendance were Whitesboro Board of Education President Brian McQueen, Superintendent Brian Bellair, members of the school board, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, Maynard Fire Chief Jared Pearl, representatives from the New York State Police, and other fire department officials.

These students may not have set out to be heroes that night, but when the moment came, they chose courage over comfort. Their story is a reminder that character is not something you wait to grow into—it’s something you show in the moments that matter most. Whether you’re wearing a tuxedo from prom or a cap and gown on graduation day, what truly defines you is your willingness to step up for others when it counts.

While the flames were extinguished that night by professionals, the spark of community, compassion, and responsibility lit by these teens continues to burn bright. The Liberty Medal may be made of metal, but the legacy these young individuals forged is made of something even stronger—heart, integrity, and bravery.

In an era when headlines often focus on the worst of society, the story of Aiden, Donato, Tyler, and Morgan offers a welcome counterpoint: a story of youth rising to the occasion, of small-town courage making a big difference, and of how one night—one decision—can alter the lives of others for the better.

As these students continue their high school journeys, they carry with them not just the honor of a medal, but the lifelong respect of a community that will never forget what they did.