A Heroic Act of Bravery: How One Eighth Grader Saved His School Bus
It was a typical end to the school day in late April, 2024 for Acie Holland III, an eighth-grader at Glen Hills Middle School in Glendale, Wisconsin. As he followed his usual routine, boarding the bus to head home, he could not have anticipated that the day would soon turn into a test of his courage and quick thinking.
The bus driver, who had been jovially chatting with students, put on her headphones and began the drive. Everything seemed normal until Acie noticed something alarming. From his seat in the middle of the bus, he saw the driver’s head droop, and it became clear she was unwell. Alarm turned to action as the driver missed a usual turn and the bus began to veer dangerously.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Acie rushed to the front of the bus. The driver had lost consciousness, and the bus was heading into oncoming traffic. With remarkable presence of mind, Acie moved her foot off the gas pedal and managed to steer the bus to a stop. His immediate goal was clear: ensure the safety of everyone on board.
“I wasn’t really scared, I was just trying to get the bus to stop,” Acie recounted later. After bringing the bus to a halt, he called 911 and informed his grandmother, who works as a nurse assistant. He also instructed his fellow students to contact their families, ensuring that everyone knew they were safe.
The community’s reaction to Acie’s bravery was overwhelmingly positive. Glen Hills Middle School Principal Anna Young expressed the collective pride and gratitude of the school community in a letter to families. She highlighted Acie’s daily display of compassion and leadership, qualities that shone even brighter during the emergency.
The bus driver, who had experienced a medical emergency, eventually regained consciousness and contacted the bus company, which promptly sent another driver to take the students home. Thanks to Acie’s quick thinking, what could have been a tragic accident was averted.
Acie’s parents were both proud and relieved. His father, Acie Holland II, was initially skeptical when he heard the story but quickly realized it was entirely in character for his quick-thinking son. “He’s always been quick on his feet and able to help someone in need,” his father said, emphasizing how this innate ability had now saved lives.
The heroism displayed by Acie did not go unnoticed. At a recent school board meeting, he was honored with a proclamation from the mayor and city council. The Glendale Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department also recognized his actions, praising him for his bravery.
Acie’s familiarity with vehicles, gained from years of working alongside his father, a certified auto technician, undoubtedly played a role in his calm and effective response. It was as if all his experiences had prepared him for this very moment.
Reflecting on the incident, Acie feels a newfound confidence. “I feel more confident with having a fight or flight moment,” he said. The recognition he has received from the community has been gratifying, but for Acie, the most important outcome was ensuring everyone got home safely.
In a world where everyday heroes often go unnoticed, Acie Holland III’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. His quick actions and calm demeanor in a moment of crisis not only saved lives but also inspired an entire community, proving that heroism knows no age.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/AgCk17OgHB0?si=1Ep92eVtx_ZJiwCe
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/05/us/wisconsin-school-bus-students-saved/index.html
- https://www.upworthy.com/amp/quick-thinking-8th-grader-saves-students-on-a-bus-after-driver-passes-out-at-the-wheel-2668190595
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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