CLAYTON TEEN NAMED "HOMETOWN HERO"

Thirteen-year-old Nick Daino has been proclaimed a "Hometown Hero" by Mayor Jody McLeod for his quick action last month to help a classmate who was run down by a hit-and-run driver at a school bus stop.

In a proclamation presented at the May 19 Town Council meeting, the Mayor said, "Nick Daino's compassion for another human being in a life threatening situation deserves special recognition."

"We're all very proud of you," the Mayor said.

Last month on a dark and foggy morning, Daino was waiting for his school bus with a crowd of other youngsters at Lassiter Farms Lane when a hit-and-run driver in a SUV hit and seriously injured 13-year-old Maria Ann Taylor as she crossed the street to the bus. Daino quickly came to the injured girl's aid, then ran for help. Later, he provided an eyewitness account to authorities.

Taylor suffered a severely broken jaw and a broken leg. She is recovering after surgery.

Daino's action "clearly shows the high caliber of his character and willingness to go beyond the call of duty" the proclamation said.