During one of the darkest days in American school history, a 15-year-old student displayed extraordinary bravery that saved countless lives.

On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 18 others. The attacker, identified as 19-year-old former student Nikolas Cruz, fled the scene but was later arrested in nearby Coral Springs.

Amid the chaos, 15-year-old Anthony Borges took decisive action that would make him a symbol of courage. As gunfire erupted, Anthony was the last to enter his classroom. Realizing the danger, he rushed to lock the door—but before he could do so, Cruz opened fire. Anthony was hit five times, the bullets striking his back and legs and shattering his left femur.

Despite the severe injuries, Anthony used his body to block the door, preventing the gunman from entering and saving at least 20 of his classmates. He stood guard until help arrived, refusing to let go even as he bled heavily.

Anthony was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and faced a long, painful recovery. Yet his determination never wavered. In the years since the shooting, Anthony has become an advocate for school safety and youth empowerment, using his experience to inspire others and push for change.

His act of selflessness remains one of the most powerful examples of bravery under fire — a reminder of how one teenager’s courage protected dozens of innocent lives.