AUBURN - When 15-year-old Mitchell Proulx reacted to a small splash he heard, he had no idea the ripple effect of gratitude that would come his way as a result of his actions.

Wednesday, Mitchell and eight other members of the community were honored for extraordinary heroic efforts during the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross's 8th annual Real Heroes Luncheon, at Auburn's Holiday Inn.

Mitchell was humble after he received his award from the American Red Cross and commendations from Auburn Mayor Tim Lattimore and the Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould.

"I would like to think that I just did what anyone else would have," said Proulx, after he explained how he saved the life of his 2-year-old cousin Troy by rescuing him after he fell into a pond.

Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Citizen.