School bus driver Natalia Hightower turned her role from mundane to heroic as she set out to take a group of students to their respective destinations one afternoon in October. Hightower, who works with DeSoto Independent School District’s student transportation service provider, First Student, was recently honored by the district for her quick life-saving actions while transporting district students between campuses on her regular bus route.
Hightower exhibited quick-thinking and a calm demeanor as she evacuated her bus full of middle school students after the vehicle caught fire on Oct 25, 2024.
The DeSoto ISD School Board publicly acknowledged Hightower during the October business meeting.
“On behalf of the trustees, we want to thank Ms. Hightower so much for her quick response and for ensuring the safety of our students. Ms. Hightower, we appreciate you for keeping our Eagles safe,” said DeSoto ISD Board President Chastiti McKissic.
Celebration of Hightower’s life-saving actions continued with a visit to the District’s Operations Department which oversees Transportation where she was met with tokens of appreciation and words of gratitude from both DeSoto ISD and First Student leaders.
“On behalf of the Texas region, I want to commend Natalia Hightower for her incredible professionalism and quick thinking during a life-threatening situation,” said Chris Olds, district manager, First Student Inc.
“When the bus she was driving caught on fire, she remained calm and relied on her training to ensure the safety of every student onboard. Her swift actions in such a scary moment truly embody our core value of Caring for Our Students. We are proud to have her as part of Desoto ISD’s First Student team and grateful for her unwavering commitment to safety and the well-being of the children we serve.”
HighTower's display of meritorious heroism for evacuating the children and staying calm under pressure exemplifies her robust training.
“She shared with Mr. James Thomas, Chief of Operations, that immediately she stopped the bus and asked all students to exit the bus due to the smell of smoke,” said Connie Johnson, Transportation coordinator.
The bus became ablaze soon after all the children were escorted off the bus with the fire burning over three-quarters of the vehicle inside and out.
“We are so thankful for the great decision- making made by our dynamic driver Ms. Hightower,” Johnson added.
Johnson commended the students for their cooperation in following Hightower’s instructions which ensured everyone’s safety.
“The safety of our students and staff is so very important,” said Johnson. “Students, we commend each of you for a job well done.”