[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING HANCOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS' HEROIC EFFORTS

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                            HON. MIKE EZELL

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2026

  Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
bravery of a group of middle school students from Hancock County, 
Mississippi, who stepped up in a moment of crisis and prevented what 
could have been a tragic accident.
  When their school bus driver suffered a medical emergency and lost 
consciousness, these young students did not panic--they acted. Sixth 
graders Jackson Casnave and Darrius Clark helped take control of the 
school bus, easing the bus to a safe stop, while eighth graders 
Kayleigh Clark and Destiny Cornelius, and sixth grader McKenzy Finch, 
worked together to call for help and administer lifesaving medicine to 
their bus driver.
  Because of their quick thinking and teamwork, nearly 40 students and 
their driver were protected from tragedy. That kind of courage and 
composure is remarkable at any age--but especially from students so 
young. They did not wait for someone else to act. They stepped up, took 
responsibility, and made a difference. These students represent the 
very best of Mississippi--strong character, leadership, and a 
willingness to help others in a moment of need.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these young heroes for 
their actions. They make our state proud, and they remind us all that 
courage knows no age.

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