Hancock Middle School students who helped bus driver honored by Congress

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV) — Five Hancock Middle School students are being recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives for their bravery and quick thinking after helping save their bus driver during a medical emergency last month—a story that has gained national attention.

On April 22, five Hancock Middle School students played the heroes as they stopped their runaway bus and saved their driver after she suffered a medical emergency and lost consciousness.

“I saw her head going back and forth, and then I saw that the bus was veering off to the side towards the ditch, so I grabbed the steering wheel and turned it away from the ditch,” said Jackson Casnave, a 6th grader at Hancock Middle. “I just realized that if I didn’t act fast in that moment, who would?”

Just a few weeks later, Congressman Mike Ezell visited the students to award them with a congressional commendation for bravery.

“Any person who has courage would want to help other people do the same thing,” said Casnave. “I feel like I’m famous now. I might even be [more] famous than some celebrities. You never know.”

We spoke with Principal Melissa Saucier who says she was in awe of the students and their quick actions — a testament to their character.

“Our students represent our county and represent us here at the school, and it’s amazing that… it gives me hope knowing that we have a lot of positive in our future generation. You just have to look for it,” she said. “It’s just good to know that, and that those kids were recognized for their bravery.”

Each student was handed their own award to take home with them.