A Russell Public School (RPS) student has received special recognition for bravery in a recent school bus collision.
At the Russell Township council meeting on Monday, May 13, council awarded RPS Grade Six student Rory Renwick with a Citizen Recognition Medallion as a symbol of gratitude from the municipality and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), for the compassion, courage, and leadership she demonstrated during a bus accident on April 22, 2024.
The collision occurred at the end of the school day while transporting students’ home from school. There were 12 students on board the bus at the time, and fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
Following the collision, Renwick sprang into action to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of others on the bus were met. She provided comfort and assurance to the younger students while they waited for first responders, and she continued to help until everyone was safely off the bus.
“Rory is living proof of the impact one person can make no matter your size or age,” said Acting Russell Township Mayor Jamie Laurin.
“It is important to mention that Rory was not alone in her bravery that day. Alongside her were 11 other children, each displaying courage beyond their years. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they stood together, supporting and comforting one another. Their collective strength in the face of adversity is a testament to the resilience ingrained within our community,” added Laurin.
RPS students Jake Vaughn, Nathan Vaughn, Levi Helmer, Amir Sakhizadeh, Chloe Butcher, Christopher Butcher, Nicholas Butcher, Daphne Geisler, Dylan Geisler, Serenity Geisler, and Willow Geisler-Harper were all awarded certificates of courage from the township and CHEO, recognizing their brave actions during the incident.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of these students. Their quick thinking and support for one another in a stressful situation exemplify the values we strive to instill in our students,” said RPS Principal Nichola Bond.
