Crestview Local Schools Commends Students and Staff for Calm, Effective Response During Medical Emergency
Crestview Local School District is recognizing the exceptional actions of students and staff following a medical emergency involving a school bus driver on the morning of 12/19/2025.
Near the end of her route, Route 8 bus driver Michelle Cheadle experienced a breathing-related medical issue. Thanks to the quick thinking and calm response of students on board, district staff were notified immediately and emergency services were contacted without delay.
After reviewing video from the bus, district officials identified three students whose actions were especially noteworthy:
Catrina Thomas, a third-grade student, was the first to recognize that the driver was having trouble breathing. After the driver safely stopped the bus, Catrina ran to the back of the bus to get help from older students. Catrina also provided critical location details, identifying the bus’s location on Faulk Road and the nearby intersecting road, Van Tilburg Road.
Kali Meeks, an eighth-grade middle school student, went to the front of the bus and attempted to use the radio. When that was unsuccessful, she calmly instructed students to move to the back of the bus and remain calm. Kali also placed the 911 call.
Charles Thomas, a 7th grade middle school student, successfully used the bus radio to communicate with the district’s Transportation Director, relaying important information until help arrived.
District staff responded immediately. Superintendent Jim Grubbs arrived first on scene, followed by Transportation Director Joni Robson, Maintenance Supervisor Gene Esbenshade, Elementary Custodian Scott Amburgey, and backup bus driver Mike Welch. Gene and Scott assisted in safely helping Michelle off the bus, while Mike took over driving the bus and completed the remainder of the route. The bus arrived on campus only minutes later than its normal time, and parents were notified that students were safe.
Michelle was transported to the emergency room and is currently undergoing further testing. The district will provide updates as appropriate.
“The actions of these students were truly outstanding,” said Superintendent Jim Grubbs. “They remained calm, communicated clearly, and helped one another in a situation that could have been much worse. Their families should be incredibly proud.”
Crestview Local Schools is grateful for the professionalism of its staff and the maturity and courage shown by its students.