Area teens honored at fair for actions during tornado

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By Jennifer Meyer | Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:52 AM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Twelve teenage friends were honored Friday at the Iowa State Fair for helping a 91-year-old woman who was injured when a tornado struck her home near Grandview.

Gov. Chet Culver presented the teens with a Meritorious Award, given in recognition of outstanding and unselfish service rendered in time of distress.

The friends were swimming at Trevor Schaper’s house on 160th Street when a tornado hit on June 1, 2007. After the storm passed and they had come out of the basement, they assisted a neighbor, Helen Thompson, who was wounded by a cabinet that had fallen on her.

“This group of compassionate teens is to be highly commended for their actions in assisting in an urgent situation,” Culver said in a statement released prior to Friday’s

ceremony.

The teens who were honored are Matthew Wilson, Cory Clevenger, Wes Gatlin, Caleb Bashor, Trevor Schaper, Jordyn Schaper and Keith Stigers, all of Letts; Travis Hargrave and Maxwell Bloomquist of Fruitland; Dakota Hoben and Benjamin Gardner of rural Wapello; and Dillon Cooney of Muscatine.

Thompson’s doctor told state officials who investigate nominations that Thompson could have died if not for the teens’ quick actions, a spokeswoman at the Iowa Department of Public Safety said.

“I am here for the grace of God and these students for rescuing me,” Thompson told the Muscatine Journal in July 2007.

Jordyn Schaper said she had been neighbors with Thompson for many years.

Bob Schlutz of Columbus Junction, a 17-year member of the Iowa State Fair Board, said he nominated the group

for the award.

With all the bad that is said about youth, Schlutz said, “when we get something like this, it’s a thing we should really honor them with saving this woman’s life.”

According to the Department of Public Safety:

Travis, Matt and Dakota climbed through a window and wrapped Thompson’s wounds in towels and T-shirts Cory and Dillon gave up to use as bandages.

Jordyn called 911 and kicked in a door to help Thompson from the home.

Max and Cory carried a chair to the end of Thompson’s driveway for her to sit in until an ambulance arrived.

Wes, Caleb, Trevor and Keith went to another home that was leveled and tried to locate two children who were later determined to be with a relative.

A total of 49 people will be honored through the Governor’s Live Saving Awards Program.

Jennifer Meyer can be contacted at

(563) 262-0525 or jennifer.meyer@muscatinejournal.com.

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