An Eighth Grader Driving a Bus

Seriously. This is good news.

When it comes to quick-thinking, cool under pressure eighth graders from Wisconsin, Acie Holland III may be at the top of this author’s list. Acie is being labelled a local hero these days and for good reason, he recently saved the day on a school bus ride home.

This particular ride home started normally with Holland exchanging brief pleasantries with the bus driver and then settling into his seat.

And that's when the not-fun began. Acie was quick to notice something amiss with the bus driver. Namely, the bus was on a continuous acceleration and was missing turns for its usual route.

"There's a street we usually turn on, but she just kept going," Holland recounted. "That's when I knew something was wrong."

Taking decisive action, Holland rushed to the front of the bus and found the driver unresponsive. With the bus careening towards oncoming traffic, Holland knew he had to act fast. In a moment he later described as a "fight or flight" situation,he carefully maneuvered the driver aside, steered the bus to a safe stop on the roadside, and calmly called 911. He wasn’t done! Acie then ensured each student contacted their parents.

The small, tight-knit community continues to show its pride since the incident. At a recent school board meeting, Holland was recognized with a proclamation from the mayor and city council. The Glendale Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department also praised his heroics.

Acid with an unidentified Wisconsin Police Officer (Photo courtesy of Kimberly Holland)

Added Acie's father:

"He's always been quick on his feet, he may not have been expecting to act on a school bus, but helping someone in need is second nature to him."

Helping someone in need, having courage, these are good characteristics. The fact that they surfaced in an eighth grader in a potentially disastrous situation is even better.