Shantel is credited with saving the lives of several families, including her own, when she helped them escape from a burning building to get to safety. Her family was living in an apartment building on Court Street in Auburn on the night it caught fire, September 30, 2002. Shantel heard her father yelling "fire," took the time to wake her sister, who has a hearing disability, then instead of running away from the building as her mother instructed, she ran to bang on the doors of neighbors to alert them to the danger. The building was destroyed and three families lost their homes, but no one was injured, thanks to Shantel.
"There are few adults, let alone 10-year-olds, who would have done what Shantel did to save her family and neighbors when their apartment building was on fire," said Senator Collins. "Shantel's act of courage is truly remarkable. I join her family, friends, and neighbors in applauding her bravery. I am proud of all the young heroes who we honored today."
This is the third year Hasbro has held the Real American Hero contest. Nominations are submitted from all over the country, winners are chosen at several different levels, then only five children are ultimately awarded the grand prize. As part of the award, the grand prize winners and their families are flown to Washington, DC, awarded medals and prizes, and have a $2500 donation made in their name to a charity of their choice.
Shantel is making her donation to the Tammy Martin Memorial Foundation in Maine, which grants wishes and supplies services to cancer stricken children, and assistance to their families. Shantel is currently a 5th grader at Livermore Elementary School. Her family is living in Livermore Falls while their apartment building in Auburn is being rebuilt. Her mother, Stephanie Brochu, joined Shantel on her trip to Washington.