Recognition Continues for Monticello Students Who Helped Prevent Bus Tragedy

Monticello High School students Gavin Shupe and Emma Stanton continue to be recognized for their extraordinary actions during a recent school bus emergency.

Emma and Gavin pose with Board President Tim Crumley — Emma and Gavin pose with Board of Education President Tim Crumley with their Board Awards.

Last month, the pair assisted a bus driver experiencing a medical emergency while traveling on Route 17. Working quickly under pressure, the students helped safely guide the bus to a stop on the shoulder of an off-ramp, preventing what could have become a serious tragedy.

a group of people pose for the camera in front of a Monticello backdrop — From R-L, members of the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps and students — Eric Kaplan, President, Megan Sauer, Jojo Hand, Emma Stanton, Jessica Epifania, Captain, Gavin Shupe
Alex Rau, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety 911& EMS, Jayden Stephens, Sergeant.

In the weeks following the incident, Gavin and Emma have received widespread recognition from local and state leaders for their courage, composure and selflessness. Shortly after the event, they were honored by the Monticello Central School District Board of Education and received certificates and commendations from Assemblywoman Paula Kay, the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Alex Rau, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety 911, among others.

a group of people pose in a principals office — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans, Gavin Shupe, Assemblywoman Paula Kay, Emma Stanton and MHS Principal Jenn Gorr.

As news of their actions has continued to spread, so has the recognition. Earlier this month, the students were visited at Monticello High School by Senator Peter Oberacker, who presented them with certificates honoring their bravery. They were also formally recognized by the Sullivan County Legislature.

Emma and Gavin pose with Senator Peter Oberacker outside Monticello High School — Emma and Gavin pose with Senator Peter Oberacker.

Last week, on the recommendation of Assemblywoman Kay, Gavin and Emma traveled to Albany, where they were honored on the floor of the New York State Assembly during session.

Gavin and Emma are seated at a table, holding up certificates and surrounded by various legislators — At Sullivan County Legislative Session:
Front row are Gavin Shupe and Emma Stanton
Middle row, from the left are Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Ryan Fridlich, Public Safety Commissioner Scott Schulte, Monticello Supt. Dr. Matthew Evans, Gavin’s father William, Emma’s mother Rebecca, Monticello HS Principal Jennifer Gorr, SUNY Sullivan EMT Instructor and Senior Administrative Associate to the Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Holly Rau, Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Alex Rau, Rock Hill Ambulance Corps member Megan Sauer, SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash, Assistant Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Rose Hanofee, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Carissa Massey, Rock Hill Ambulance Corps member Neal Meddaugh
Back row, from the left are legislators Luis Alvarez, Amanda Ward, Joe Perrello, Cat Scott, Nadia Rajsz, Brian McPhillips

The recognitions come as Gavin reached another milestone of his own. Just one weekend before Monticello High School’s mock crash drill, he earned his EMT certification and participated in the exercise as a certified EMT.

Gavin and Emma are standing in the center of a group of Assembly members who are breaking out in applause — The pair traveled to Albany, NY for a formal recognition from the NYS Assembly.

The Monticello Central School District is incredibly proud of Gavin and Emma for their actions, leadership and commitment to helping others. Their bravery made a lasting impact, and their futures are undoubtedly bright.

Gavin works with other EMTs to load an actor on to a stretcher as part of the mock crash drill — Gavin (center), who recently earned his EMT certification, participated in last week’s mock crash drill at Monticello High School as a bona fide EMT.