Reaghan Monahan, a student at Tinley Park High School, was honored by the village board for her quick thinking and life-saving actions

 Reaghan was riding along with her mother in the car on a nearby freeway in October. Her mother experienced a seizure, and her foot became stuck, causing the automobile to continuously speed. To avoid collisions with other vehicles, Reagan took the wheel. She then slid into the driver's seat, moved her mother's foot, and brought the vehicle to a safe stop on the expressway's shoulder. Reaghan only had her permit at the time

"If you knew Reagan, you would know that she would never walk up here by herself because she's although very quiet and shy, she has definitely become quite a celebrity over the last month," Tinley Park High School principal Theresa Nolan told the board. " Everything that you just read is exactly what she engaged in. We were contacted by the South Holland Fire Department for her bravery and her heroism. We had a great celebration for her and her family just about a month ago."

Reaghan was recently flown to New York to appear with her mother on the Drew Barrymore show to discuss the incident and how she potentially saved many lives. Reaghan shared with the board the experience of traveling, meeting Barrymore, and filming the show. She remarked that she had a terrific day meeting many people and sharing the story with everyone. 

Reaghan participates in cheerleading and volleyball at Tinley Park High School. Her principal praised her and told the school board about how calm and reserved she is, especially with all the recent attention. Reaghan recently got her driver's license, so the Drew Barrymore show was able to get in touch with a nearby dealership and arrange for the purchase of a new Jeep Compass for her.