UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Russell Council Honors Russell PS Students for Acts of Bravery

At the regularly scheduled Russell Township Council meeting on May 13, council awarded Russell Public School (RPS) Grade 6 student Rory Renwick with a Citizen Recognition Medallion, a symbol of gratitude from Russell Township 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," says Jamie Laurin, Acting Mayor of Russell Township during the meeting. "At 11 years old, she is a reminder to all of us that we possess the potential to make a difference."

"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," adds 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," says RPS Principal Nichola Bond.