Student Recognized for Compassionate Actions

A small but heartfelt appreciation was given to a Salmon Arm Secondary student.

Luke Hartl, a grade 11 student at Salmon Arm Secondary, received thanks from Director of Operations Travis Elwood, Manager of Transportation Andrea Kathrein, and bus driver Susan Forward for his actions during a bus accident in November 2023. On January 31, 2024, as Luke boarded the bus to go home, he was thanked for his actions and presented with a plaque and local gift cards as tokens of appreciation.

“Your preparedness and calmness under pressure were truly appreciated. Thank you for your responsible and compassionate actions. You set a great example for all of us,” Kathrein told Luke.

Luke thanked Kathrein for the plaque and gift certificates but added that it wasn’t necessary. “What else would you do. People needed help so, of course, I helped,” said Hartl.

School District No. 83 provides school bus evacuation training to bus students twice a year as a standard practice to increase student safety on school buses. As part of the training, the bus driver designates one or two students as helpers in the event that the driver needs extra support in a real life scenario.  This training is designed to increase student safety on school buses. “Luke obviously remembered this training and used it to help evacuate the bus. His thoughtfulness and skills helped to ensure everyone’s safety, including the bus driver and fellow students,” said Kathrein.

Salmon Arm Secondary Principal Rob Cadden added that when he talked to Luke about the accident, he was impressed with Luke’s attitude. “He didn’t think anything of what he did. He saw that people needed help and he stepped up and helped.”