An 8th grader is Glen Hills Middle School’s hero.
The student, Acie Holland III, stopped his school bus from veering into the opposite lane after the driver collapsed.
According to People, the school principal, Anna Young, praised the 14-year-old’s quick thinking in preventing a possible tragedy.
“Acie recognized that the driver was not responsive so he rushed to move her foot off the gas, applied the brake, and securely parked the bus. He contacted 911 and ensured younger students were okay and instructed them to contact their parents.
“He also sought out his grandmother, who is a nurse, to support the situation. The driver regained consciousness and called Riteway dispatch, who sent their safety team and an alternate bus driver to complete the route.”
The 8th Grader’s Account Of His Heroics
Holland revealed that he was browsing his phone when he felt the bus accelerate.
“And I looked at the bus driver because she went past my stop and I looked and I seen her head just go down.”
He then took the steering wheel and called 911.
“Then I get us to the curb, and I hit the brakes close and then when we hit the curb, I turned the wheel all the way because I didn’t know where the parking brake was.”
The 8th grader’s dad, Ace Holland II, was proud of his son.
“It didn’t [faze] me because I know that he’s capable of almost anything.”
The Glendale-River Hills School District praised Acie as a hero.
“The District would like to recognize eighth grader, Acie Holland III for his extreme bravery during an alarming bus incident this past Wednesday. Thank you for your quick thinking and calm response, Acie! We are so proud of you! ????????”
The 8th grader also shared that the experience has boosted his confidence.
“[It] made me feel good that I know that I saved people, and I know I feel more confident now and brave.”
