Schools

Teen Hero Who Helped Save Woman From Drowning Honored at GRHS

Mark Mifsud, one of two teens credited with helping save a woman from drowning in her car in July, was recognized as the citizen of the month for September by his high school.

In the midst of a flash flood, 81-year-old Fair Lawn resident Elizabeth DeFusco disregarded safety cones placed at the train trestle on Maple Avenue near Borough Hall. Her car quickly was submerged by about four feet of standing water.

She might not have made it had teenagers Mark Mifsud and Luke Kyriazis not seen the water rising up to DeFusco's neck. Disregarding their own safety, they, along with volunteer firefighter Thomas Pimlott, jumped in to grab the woman and pull her to dry land.

DeFusco was shaken but uninjured.

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The Glen Rock mayor and council ceremoniously renamed Glen Rock "Mifsudelphia" for a few minutes on the day of the incident, July 29, 2012. Mifsud received the keys to the city and a plaque for his efforts.

Now, his school is recognizing his courage. The freshman at Glen Rock High School, was named the citizen of the month award at the high school for the month of September.

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"Mark is being recognized for his ability to react quickly, for his courage and good sense when faced with a dangerous situation, and for his willingness to help someone in trouble," the recognition notice states.

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