This week, Wenatchee community member and WHS alumna Jana Roy reached out to share an uplifting story about senior Jayden Murillo’s selflessness and bravery. Read her account below:

I wanted to share a story about a Wenatchee High School senior that I believe deserves recognition. 

On the morning of June 19, 2025, my home caught fire while I was away. A passerby noticed smoke and began alerting neighbors because it was believed I might still be inside. During the fire, windows in the house blew out. 

Seventeen-year-old Jayden Murillo, the son of one of my neighbors, jumped the fence and broke the back sliding glass door to see if I was still in the house. By that time, heavy black smoke was rolling out, and he realized the conditions inside were extremely dangerous. 

Jayden then went to another back door near the family room, where my elderly golden retriever, Kloie, was standing inside near the doorway. He opened the door and was able to pull her safely out of the house. 

He could see my other dogs inside but was unable to reach them because the smoke had become too thick and the heat too intense to safely go farther into the home. When I arrived, I told the firefighters the other dogs were still inside. Equipped with protective gear, they were able to go back in and rescue the other dogs, but unfortunately only one survived. 

What stayed with me most afterward was Jayden apologizing for not being able to save the others and explaining how hard he had tried. In the middle of a terrifying situation, he showed courage, compassion, and genuine concern for someone else’s family and pets. 

I believe his actions and character deserve recognition as he graduates from Wenatchee High School.

Thank you to Jana for taking the time to recognize Jayden. Help us congratulate Jayden and the rest of the class of 2026 as they take on their next chapter.