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Lisa McCracken named Missouri School Bus Driver of Year
07-21-09
Lisa McCracken named Missouri School Bus Driver of Year
Honored for courageous actions during dog attack at R-7 bus stop
By Janice Phelan
Community Relations Director R-7 School District
Lee's Summit R-7 School District bus driver Lisa McCracken was recognized as the Missouri School Bus Driver of the Year at the July 2009 Annual Conference of the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation. She was commended for her courageous and selfless actions when a dog attacked an R-7 student at a local bus stop last year.
Mrs. McCracken, who has worked for the R-7 School District for three years, was nominated for this award by Linda Thompson, R-7 Transportation Department director. The award is presented annually to one bus driver in the state for his or her dedication to students and schools.
Just after a student exited Mrs. McCracken's school bus on the afternoon of Oct. 14, the child was attacked by a dog. Mrs. McCracken reacted quickly, using a tire tool to go to the student's rescue. The student was taken back onto the school bus, and Mrs. McCracken immediately contacted R-7 officials for assistance.
Just after this incident, Denese Manus, a Pleasant Lea Elementary resource aide who had been behind the school bus in her vehicle, stopped to help. The dog then charged Mrs. Manus and was again chased off by Mrs. McCracken driver using a tire tool.
Both Mrs. Manus and the student were treated for injuries from the attack and were released from the hospital that evening. Both also returned to school the next day. Mrs. Manus and Mrs. McCracken were recognized in fall 2008 by the Board of Education and in January 2009 with the Lee's Summit Reflection of Character Award.
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