Goldsboro, NC – The Wayne County Board of Education has recognized Tammy Lewis, a Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) bus driver, for her quick and heroic actions that protected the lives of 21 Grantham Elementary students during an afternoon bus route.

According to school officials, Ms. Lewis noticed a burning electrical odor while driving and immediately became concerned. Drawing on her bus driver training, she stopped the bus and safely evacuated all 21 students.

As smoke became visible, Ms. Lewis led the children more than 200 yards away to ensure their safety. Moments later, what is believed to have started as an electrical issue inside a panel quickly escalated into a serious fire, completely engulfing the bus in flames.

School leaders commended Ms. Lewis for her calm, decisive response and for preventing what could have been a tragedy.