Local educators honored for sheltering motorists after January highway pileup

Deb Heric, president of the Kent and Ottawa County chapter of Delta Capagama, told the Hudsonville Public School District board that on Jan. 19 district staff and leaders organized a rescue effort after a multi-vehicle pileup on US-196 and opened district facilities to stranded motorists.

"They drove a school bus to the crash site to pick up travelers and bring them back to the school to stay warm until someone could come pick them up," Heric said as she presented the chapters Friend of Education award to Superintendent Doug Vanderjack and Director of Transportation Rob Matthews.

Heric said the award reflected "heroism and compassion" by the two men and by any staff who volunteered on short notice. Board members and administrators echoed appreciation for staff and community volunteers who assisted during the incident and emphasized the districts role as a community resource when emergency needs arise.

The board acknowledged the presentation during the recognition portion of the meeting; no board action was required.