This morning the HAMS Softball team was in route to a game when their school bus was involved in an accident near Gibson City. As a result several students were taken to Kirby Hospital in Monticello and Carle Hospital in Urbana to be assessed. As of 4:15 pm today, all students that were transported to medical facilities have been checked out and are home with their families. No serious injuries, thankfully. Board of education member Rosanna Kelnhofer, middle school administrator Katie Coulter, and myself stayed at the hospital until the final student was released. Denise Bray, Transportation Director, was a big help through the day. We are also thankful for the parents that were following the bus who took swift action to assist at the accident site. Everyone worked together to help. Hoopeston Area has the best people.

Due to the professional conduct of our bus driver and the helpful actions of others, student injuries were not more severe. I thanked Michelle Bailey, the HA bus driver, from the bottom of my heart for her incredible handling of the collision and assured her that most certainly everything she did helped to prevent a worse outcome.

Thanks to all who helped on site, offered assistance, came to the hospitals to help their students, and those who sent encouragement. These are the moments when we understand what community really means.