While fishing with friends on his family’s boat, a crash followed by a large splash caught their attention. Moving toward the noise, they discovered a couple attempting to climb out of the sunroof of their car that had plunged into the water. Maintaining their composure, the trio reached the couple and helped them to safety.

“I did what came naturally at that moment. It was the right thing to do. I really just acted on instinct,” recalls Jackson.

A tradition at St. Petersburg Catholic High School is to present a challenge coin to students who display values that align with the school’s core virtues of authenticity, compassion, fortitude, humility, and wisdom.

“Certainly, Jackson had a very compassionate and authentic Christian response to those in need and responded with the courage and calm needed,” said Ross Bubolz, president of St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

Jackson was presented with the coin in front of his peers and school staff during their recent convocation.

“I was told I was going to be given an award, but I didn’t realize it was going to be in front of the whole school! I was nervous but also excited to be recognized because I know that the challenge coin is special when given out at St. Petersburg Catholic High School,” Jackson added.

Not only was the recognition meaningful to Jackson, but it was also a proud moment for Bubolz.

“It is always a moment of great pride when our young men and women demonstrate holiness and virtue. I was very proud to be able to present the coin to Jackson for his actions, but also for the authentic young man that he is each day at our school,” said Bubolz. “We have incredible students, supportive parents, and the best faculty and staff. It is always one of my greatest pleasures to recognize their excellence.”

Jackson recognizes that this is not something he did entirely on his own.

“I really was just at the right place at the right time. I thank God and my dad for giving me the skills that I needed that day to help people, and for my friends, Jameson and Landon (students at Jesuit), for being there to help, too.”