Gorham seniors Finn Henderson and Lucia Holloway display their commendations of merit awarded in a ceremony last week for their actions in January most likely saving a boy’s life. Robert Lowell / American Journal Gorham Police recognized high school seniors Finn Henderson and Lucia Holloway, who acted quickly to keep a young boy from being hit by traffic. Pictured, from left, are Sgt. Ted Hatch, Henderson, Holloway, Sgt. David Bruni and Lt. Daniel Young. Robert Lowell / American Journal

Gorham seniors Lucia Holloway and Finn Henderson last week were awarded police commendations of merit in the high school lobby for their quick actions, most likely saving a young boy’s life.

The two students stopped in the dark on a cold evening on Jan. 26 to help a small boy, without a jacket, running shoeless in traffic along Huston Road. The boy was nearly struck by a passing truck, police said.

The teenagers contacted police and got the boy out of harm’s way and into a car to warm up.

“We put him in the back seat,” Holloway said, and Henderson turned up the heater to warm the boy and waited at the scene for police to arrive.

Gorham Sgt. David Bruni told the American Journal the boy had gotten about 200 yards away from care of a babysitter. Police located the home where the boy was staying and returned him safely thanks to the high school students. “I had goose bumps,” Bruni said.

Henderson told the American Journal following last week’s award ceremony that the boy was dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt and that he and Holloway both noted that the boy wasn’t wearing shoes.

“It was cold, in the teens,” Bruni said.

According to a letter from Bruni to Police Chief Christopher Sanborn requesting recognition for each student, the boy was “autistic and nonverbal.”

“The kids were incredible,” Bruni said.

Gorham High School Principal Brian Jandreau told the American Journal Holloway and Henderson represent the school district’s core values.

“These are two great kids,” Jandreau said. “They’re great citizens.”