A group of Penn College students who helped a driver whose tire went flat on Maynard Street – and gained a wealth of social media attention for the deed – receive recognition from the college president. From left: President Michael J. Reed; heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology students Jack A. Maloyed, Matteo T. Loregio, Anthony J. Giunta, James R. Ciccarelli, Tommy J. Wickham and John P. Morgan; and Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.
Penn College President Michael J. Reed recognized six students on Tuesday for their service to a community member in need.
The students – all majoring in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology – were leaving Wawa, where they were making a snack run, when they saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of Maynard Street.
Crystal Merryman, of Jersey Shore, who had driven over an Allen wrench that became lodged in her tire, posted about the experience on Facebook, calling the students “really incredible young people.”
“While other people were laying on their horns and yelling, (they) were walking by, saw what happened, and immediately jumped in to help. They didn’t hesitate. They worked together, were kind, respectful and genuinely cared about getting me safely back on my way,” she wrote.
The students – James R. Ciccarelli, of Danville; Anthony J. Giunta, of West Pittston; Matteo T. Loregio, of Collegeville; Jack A. Maloyed, of Davnille; John P. Morgan, of Avondale; and Tommy J. Wickham, of Secane – changed her tire then followed her to Sheetz to help put air in her spare and make sure she was able to drive away safely.
“In a moment that could have been really stressful, they showed character, teamwork and a willingness to serve a complete stranger – and it made all the difference,” Merryman wrote.
Reed presented each of the students with a certificate of recognition that honors their “willingness to go above and beyond by providing support to a community member during their time of need.”
“Your care and concern and thoughtful actions exemplify your personal character and the values of Penn College,” the certificate states. “Thank you for choosing to make a meaningful difference and serving as a role model for others.”
Merryman’s post attracted 127 comments praising the students and their families, plus more than 500 shares.
Industry partners are adding their nods of approval: HVAC advisory committee member Sean Bauer, product manager, HVAC, for Peirce-Phelps, is sending each student a Klein Tools tumbler, and Ted Christiansen, who has hired many graduates as owner of Controls, Service & Engineering Co., is providing a gift toward tools.
Reed presents a certificate to Loregio.