Annunciation shooting survivor Victor Greenawalt to receive Congressional Medal of Honor Society award

Victor Greenawalt, one of the survivors of last year's deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis, received a Citizen Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society on Wednesday.

The award is for demonstrating "extraordinary bravery beyond his years" when he used his body to protect a classmate during the shooting.  

"His instinct to protect rather than flee speaks volumes about his character, compassion and bravery," said Kagan Dunlan, a Marine Corps Office and the Master of Ceremonies. "Congratulations Victor and thank you for being such a fine example in courage and valor for others." 

"I'm sad he had that opportunity but we're so proud of him," said Greenawalt's mother.   

Greenawalt was inside the chapel at Annunciation Catholic School when a shooter barricaded the doors and opened fire on Aug. 27, 2025.

During the shooting, Greenawalt used his body to protect another student, fifth grader Weston Halsne. 

After the shooting, Halsne told reporters, "My friend Victor, like, saved me though. Because he laid on top of me. But he got hit. I was super scared for him. But I think now he's OK. I hope you're OK and I'm praying for you." 

Greenawalt received the Young Hero Honoree award, one of only six awards being presented Wednesday. 

"He's the man. he's one of the most authentic children I've ever encountered," said Annunciation principal Matt DeBoer in a short video the crowd watched.  

Two children — Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel — died and 28 others were injured in the mass shooting, 24 of them children. 

Earlier this year, survivor Lydia Kaiser, alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other legislative leaders, proposed a ban on military assault rifles, high-capacity magazines and other gun safety measures.