As the school year winds down here is a powerful story of leadership from the fast action of an eighth grader!
His name is Acie Holland III.
Riding the bus home from school, Acie noticed the driver missed a turn and was now accelerating, while slumped over and unconscious!
I don’t know about you, but most adults in this situation would:
- Scream
- Panic
- Take out their phone and film what is happening, livestreaming on the Insta, while commentating and tagging the Kardashians!
Acie jumped up, ran to the front, moved the driver’s foot off the gas, and got control of the bus headed into oncoming traffic, steadily slowing down to a stop on the side of the road.
An EIGHTH Grader!
Once stopped, as reported here, he called 911 and his Grandmother, who is a nurse assistant (always call Grandma first!).
He then instructed the other 13-15 kids to call their families and remain calm.
Leadership. Action. A Doer.
This is all incredible to me, as a Dad, and I would hope my kids would be so savvy, showing such assertiveness in this type of situation.
This is The Promise – to be aware, to solve a problem, to jump in and help, to BE FULLY PRESENT.
Had Acie been sitting with headphones in, zoned out, talking with friends, doing anything else most kids (and adults) do, perhaps this is a much different story with a really sad ending.
Instead, Acie’s now a hero, to the families of kids on the bus, to the driver (who is fortunately ok), to the school, the city, and everyone reading the story on news outlets worldwide.
But in reality, it is rare to be in the midst of such calamity. It isn’t every day we get to don our superhero cape.
Or is it?
Maybe you’re not saving a bus speeding into the wrong lane as the driver passes out…
More than likely you are:
- observing a co-worker about to make a simple error that could ruin the newsletter going to thousands of customers
- looking at a peer with a slab of kale in their teeth about to talk to someone else after lunch
- watching a speaker struggle with the connection of their laptop and slides mid presentation
- attending an event where the tables and chairs need to be set up or taken down and no one else is helping
In these moments, however small and simple, it is up to YOU and US to be like Acie.
Jump * Help * Serve * Lift * Speak Up * Be Present!
That is The Promise.
Will you join Acie to live The Promise?
Enjoy SUBSCRIBING to my NEW YouTube Channel when you’re ready to improve upon Your Leadership Promise!
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Mentor
- World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise
- Author of “The Promise To The One”
- President of Cardio Miracle. Go to CardioMiracle.com to take your health back! Use coupon code HEW2024 for 15% OFF your order.
8 Responses
Great story. Thank you~
Thank you Louise! I hope you are well!
What a great story and what a great reminder to take the important action that is needed no matter what that might be. As always thanks for sharing in a way only you can!
Thank you Bobbye, it is a great reminder.
Here’s a thought, put down your phone and enter the world around you again. It’s breathtaking!
So true, my friend! That’s what surprised me the most about this story – that a kid was paying attention and not at his phone. Amazing.
Wow!! What a great story, Jason!! I’m amazed that this young man took such massive action! I am afraid that I would likely have frozen in terror. I’m so impressed by young leaders who step up and take massive action in the world!!
I can definitely be more aware of needs around me. And I can take down chairs really well.
Cheryl, you’re always doing so much, and just like this great young leader. You’re an incredible example to everyone, and GREAT at chairs!