![Outside, staffer Katie Mathews takes a photograph of Moreno holding her certificate and award. "I used to think I [was] not brave until this happened," Moreno said. "This is something that actually brought me up to help more people, in better situations I used to not think that people cared. [But] People do care for you. People are there looking after you. They're watching after you."](https://rhsrumbler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/P1473621-e1758982345862-1200x1097.jpg)
disclaimer: This story mentions topics of gun violence.
It’s a typical summer day, kids are playing at Bledsoe Park. Sophomore Aryanna Moreno is working as a lifeguard. She’s getting off the stand, to help direct parents for their children’s swim lesson.
Then. Shots fired.
Chaos begins. Parents, kids and teens are running and screaming. But Moreno, instead of running away, runs toward the victim.
On Sept. 18, Moreno was awarded the certificate of commendation, along with her co-worker Jason Schauble, for being recognized by the city and mayor of Leander, for their bravery and composure at the Robin Bledsoe Park shooting.
“Your courage and quick thinking and unwavering commitment to the safety of others during the July 29, 2025 Robin Bledsoe incident are a true reflection of your heart,” Leander Parks and Recreation manager Rachael Zalan said at the city council meeting.
On July 29, at the park, two groups got into an altercation, and fired multiple shots, leaving one person deceased. At the moment, Moreno decided to run toward the victim, and help by getting a medical bag after seeing the body. She then began applying pressure. Once the ambulance arrived, they put the victim on the stretcher, and gave him breaths and monitored his BPM.
“My jaw dropped,” Moreno said. “I was not expecting to be in a situation like that. I thought I was gonna be at risk. I thought I was gonna get shot. It was very hard because I’m 15 years old. I’m not meant to [see] anything like that. It was traumatizing. So, I cried [and] I cried. That’s the best I could get my emotions out. Then after that, I could not sleep for a while. I had trauma. I still do to this day.”
Being in Vista Ridge’s JROTC, Moreno feels it has trained her and helped her react the way that she did. In JROTC, she learns about the chain of commands, and how to help others through that. Moreno hopes to pursue a career in the military.
“Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about inspiring others to follow your example,” Naval Science Instructor Felipe Del Real said. “Aryanna embodies this every day in JROTC and in her community. Through dedication, integrity, and service, Aryanna proves that one person can make a difference and inspire everyone around them.”
As a lifeguard, Moreno is certified in the American Red Cross, CPR and AED.
“I feel like no one in the situation would [do what I did],” Moreno said. “Because, of course, you’re running towards danger. For me, it was like, I have to go help. That’s part of my job. I’m a lifeguard.”
After telling her parents and family friends, Moreno was told she was brave for going to help the victim.
“The one thing I try to teach my children is to always help others in need and to be selfless,” Moreno’s mom Corinna Campbell said. “But at that moment I felt fear that she could have been shot herself running to give aid. She did the right thing, because I would want someone to help my child if they were the victim, I am extremely proud of her for that.”