He’s a carefree kid, senior at Palm Harbor University High School and a teacher’s assistant, but 17-year-old Jordon Litowchak can be brave too, even when another man’s life is in his hands.
ABC Action News recently visited a class where Litowchak was serving as a teacher’s assistant. He was under the impression that a news crew was visiting to talk to the class about a career in journalism.
Litowchak told the class about when he appeared on-air on ABC Action News. It was for a news story last August after he saw someone crash into a pond.Without hesitation, Litowchak dove in and helped swim the 71-year-old man, Danny Vinovich who was having a medical scare, to shore. It was mere minutes before Vinovich’s car sank.
Litowchak was shocked to learn that the ABC Action News crew was actually in the classroom to surprise him with the news that he’d won the station sponsored Be More Positive Award, which is presented at the annual WEDU Be More Awards ceremony.
Vinovich showed up in the classroom to help surprise him, as well as Litowchak’s family and friends and a representative and mascot with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
For the last seven years, ABC Action News has given this award to an everyday hero, someone who makes a positive impact on the lives of others. Litowchak is one of the youngest recipients.
"It's overwhelming and I really appreciate this from everyone, but I just acted from my heart and definitely didn't expect all this,” Litowchak said.
"I have a second chance,” Vinovich said. "To have a 17 year old kid risk his life for a stranger, that's what really works me up, to know there is still goodness there."
