18 I SCHOOLS I March 6, 20<strong>24</strong> MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE Morning bus ride turns scary for sister-brother duo @MIDRIVERS_NEWS MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE.COM By BETHANY COAD Rebecca Maddock, a fourth-grader at Stone Creek Elementary, is being hailed as a hero for her quick thinking and brave action in responding to a life-threatening situation that unfolded on the way to school one morning. Maddock and her younger brother, Alex, ride the bus every morning, typically without incident, except for the noisy chatter of the young passengers. However, on that morning, Maddock was distracted by the look on her brother’s face. “I asked Alex if he was OK, and he shook his head ‘yes,’” Maddock said. Unconvinced, Maddock pressed. “Are Bus driver Kiti Fowler, with Rebecca and Alex Maddock. (Source: Wentzville School District) you sure?” she asked. “Are you positive?” Despite receiving the same affirmative, Maddock told Alex to lay his head down on his backpack. “A couple of minutes later it happened,” Maddock said. “He started shaking, and I stood up yelling that my brother was having a seizure.” The bus had just arrived at school and its driver, Kiti Fowler, lept into action by blowing the horn to get the attention of staff. Stone Creek Principal Melissa Armbruster entered the bus and stayed with Maddock and Alex until the seizure had passed. “Mrs. Armbruster carried him inside, and I followed them,” Maddock said. “I was really scared and a little confused. I took a deep breath and I knew I needed to stay calm so that Alex could get the help he needed and no one would need to worry about me.” Maddock’s mom, Rachel, was at home when the call came from Jessica Allen, the attendance secretary. “I thought they were going to tell me one of the kids had missed the bus,” Rachel said. When she received the news, she remembered a prior situation that happened nearly four years to the day. “Alex was 1 1/2 when he had a febrile seizure,” Rachel remembered. “The neurologist said after multiple tests that everyone is allowed one ‘free’ seizure – one with no explanation – but if he were to have another one they would diagnose him with possible adolescent epilepsy.” The ambulance was at the school and ready to head to St. Louis Children’s Hospital when Rachel arrived. “The seizure on the bus lasted almost five minutes,” she said. “When he got to the nurse’s station he had a second one lasting about two minutes.” An examination and testing at Children’s showed no infections or visible reasons for the seizure. However, the situation understandably left Maddock and her family a little shaken – and grateful for all who were involved in attending to Alex. “I was so impressed with how well Becca handled the situation on the bus as I know how worked up I was when Alex had his first seizure,” Rachel said. “She has always been very motherly to him and watches over him. I couldn’t have been more proud of her.” The affection Maddock has for her brother is tangible. “We like to play together, and he always has to sit next to someone,” Maddock explained. “He can be very sensitive, but also have a temper if he doesn’t get his way. But he is joyful.” Rebecca Maddock holds her Certificate of Valor and Courage presented to her by School Resource Officer Jordan Richards. (Source: Wentzville School District) She said it’s scary to think about what happened. “I had to work through not being afraid to ride the bus with him as I was always afraid it would happen again,” she said. “Talking to the school counselor and the nurse helped a lot.” Once the excitement died down, the Wentzville Police Department recognized Maddock’s bravery with a special Certificate of Valor and Courage. “I was at school, and my whole class came and they got Alex from his classroom, and my family and Mrs. Kiti were there,” Maddock said, happily. “Officer (Jordan) Richards came up with the idea to give me the award.” Nominations sought for annual Teacher of the Year award By KATE UPTERGROVE Do you know an A+ teacher – one who has made a positive difference in the lives of many students or all the difference in the life of a single student? If so, you know a teacher who is an ideal candidate for the <strong>Mid</strong> <strong>Rivers</strong> <strong>Newsmagazine</strong> Teacher of the Year award. Students, parents and community members are encouraged to recognize teachers who consistently go the extra mile to make education meaningful, effective, interesting and enjoyable. Eligible educators include those who teach at any preschool, elementary school, high school or college/university within St. Charles County. Nominating your favorite teacher is easy. Just visit midriversnewsmagazine.com and complete a simple form no later than Monday, April 8. All submissions must be completed online. All entries will become the property of <strong>Mid</strong> <strong>Rivers</strong> <strong>Newsmagazine</strong>. Entries will be reviewed by a selection committee that includes Teacher of the Year program sponsors. The winning teacher will receive an iPad, gift basket and surprise celebration courtesy of <strong>Mid</strong> <strong>Rivers</strong> <strong>Newsmagazine</strong> and the program sponsors. Additionally, the Teacher of the Year will be featured in an article in <strong>Mid</strong> <strong>Rivers</strong> <strong>Newsmagazine</strong>. This year’s Teacher of the Year Award is being sponsored by Big Blue Swim School, Boardwalk Family Dental, CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Dream Play Recreation and Golden Oak Pancake House. These companies know first-hand the difference a teacher can make in terms of helping students gain not only a high-quality education but also the skills they need to be good employees and members of the larger community. St. Charles County residents and students are fortunate to have access to outstanding schools and educators at every level. This is your chance to say “Thank You” to a teacher who embodies excellence in education. But don’t wait. Entries are due no later than Monday, April 8.
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