Alexander Alvonellos, a recent graduate of Ignite Christian Academy, is a hero. On May 20, Alexander was awarded the Georgia 2010 Youth Hero of the Year (Christopher Johnson Youth Character Award) because of his attempt to save a boy drowning in a retention pond. The incident occurred when Alexander was sixteen. Alexander heard the cry for help from the little boy's sister. After instructing the girl to call 911, he jumped in and attempted to find the boy. Unfortunately, the boy was not able to be saved.
Since the drowning, Alexander has been working hard to develop a law in Georgia called "Matthew's Law," named after the little boy who drowned. The law would require people with ponds on their properties to take measures to make sure ponds are fenced in.
Alexander was nominated for the award by his father Spyros who said, "The distinctive and selfless act of bravery by Alexander reflects great credit upon himself and the citizens of Warner Robins." As a result of winning the award, Alexander recently met with the governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue, at the American Red Cross Houston-Middle Georgia Chapter banquet.