Heroes have been known to wear flashy capes and strut around flaunting their X-ray vision or attaching themselves to buildings with fancy webbing.

In Redwood Elementary sixth-grader Alvin Sisney’s case, being a hero simply took quick thinking and an uncommon presence of mind for a 12-year-old.

On the last day of Vicksburg Warren School District classes Friday, and as other awards were being passed out, Alvin was recognized for saving his 11-year-old twin sisters and his mother from the May 16 fire that destroyed the family’s home on Mississippi 3.

Presented with a plaque by Redwood counselor Cindy Busby and Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, the honor-roll student simply took it in stride.

&#8220Someone said something about a family,” Alvin said, with the events of the past week still sinking in. &#8220And I was just like, ‘What?’”

What Alvin did went above and beyond what any young man his age is expected to do, Pace said, as he handed over the award.

Alvin had awakened just before 1 a.m., smoke alarms wailing to no avail. The youngster grabbed his sisters, Jazlyn and Jahmiya, and escaped through a bedroom window. Alvin then went back into the house to rescue his mother, Earnestine.

Records of the blaze describe the wood-frame house as a &#8220total loss,” Warren County Fire Coordinator Kelly Worthy said. &#8220We didn’t have a chance.”

Worthy said the fire was ruled accidental and further investigation may ensue.

Alvin was already assured of taking home awards for scholastic achievement at Redwood, having stayed on the A&B honor roll all six years of his elementary career. The heroism award was a capper.

&#8220Always a good kid,” Busby said. &#8220And (Earnestine) has always been a perfect mother.”

Parents, staff and others in the community have helped raise $1,100 to help the family recover and rebuild. Busby fought back tears at the podium when she presented the check.

&#8220This is $1,100 for a new beginning,” she said.