Local Man and Friend Save Stranger’s Life
In a world that could use some positive stories….Jasper County has a young person that recently has made a positive difference in the world.
Daniel Benton (left) and Kele Howerton, a fellow study abroad student, helped saved a stranger’s life while in Paris, France for a summer study abroad program. The two youth saved a man from drowning.
The Facebook post from the European Council of Georgia page explained the details:
“Join us in recognizing and celebrating the heroism of our very own EC Paris participants: Kele Howerton (University of North Georgia) and Daniel Benton (Georgia College & State University). On July 7, these two quick-thinking students noticed a man struggling in the water of a canal in Strasbourg, France. They aided with bringing him to land and Ms. Howerton administered CPR. The police chief of Municipale Strasbourg is convinced that without their help, the man would not have made it.”
The post generated 510 responses, 106 shares and 59 comments of support for these two travelers. The story was also broadcast on WPMA-GNN Radio on the Chris Fabry show for “Feel Good Friday.”
Daniel is a the son of Cissy and Mike Benton of Jasper County. He is a 2015 graduate of Jasper County High School and a business major at GCSU. The study abroad program has enabled him to experience his dream of world travel. His parents said they were both very proud of him and this incredible life-changing deed. When asked about his response to all the attention, Daniel commented, “Just did what anybody else would do.”
The European Council (EC) is one of five regional councils operating under the auspices of the System Council for International Education of the University System of Georgia (USG). The EC seeks to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the cultures and societies of Europe by sponsoring programs and activities for the University System of Georgia’s students, faculty and institutions.
The EC sponsors summer study abroad programs for USG students and transients at seven locations in Europe that last two to five weeks. Students in all EC programs blend classroom experiences with group and individual travel as they earn academic credit through their home institutions. EC has been offering study abroad programs to students in the University System of Georgia for over 20 years.
