MONROE SCHOOLS, STUDENTS OFFER A HEARTFELT 'THANK YOU'

Slug: NBRN bus01p Date: 04/22/2008 The Blade/Andy Morrison Location: Monroe Caption: Ken Lambert, left, and Aaron Pierce look at drawings given to them by Alexa Steve, 9, and her sister Lauren Steve, 7, after an awards ceremony honoring the two and others at Monroe Public Schools Board of Education Office, Tuesday, 04/22/2008. The Steve girls were on the bus the two boarded and stopped. Summary: THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON Enlarge | Buy This Photo

Slug: NBRN bus01p Date: 04/22/2008 The Blade/Andy Morrison Location: Monroe Caption: Diane LaLonde is recognized at an award ceremony at Monroe Public Schools Board of Education Office, Tuesday, 04/22/2008. Summary: THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON Enlarge | Buy This Photo

It was not the typical session for the Monroe Public Schools' board of education. The board, in addition to its regular business, and visitors together administered to some special business: thanking those who helped secure a runaway bus April 9. Alexa Steve, 9, foreground, with her sister, Lauren, 7, not pictured, watch as Ken Lambert, background, and Aaron Pierce view the drawings the sisters made and presented to them as part of the thank-you ceremony.

Also honored was Diane LaLonde. Mr. Lambert and Mr. Pierce, workers for the Monroe County Road Commission, saw a runaway Monroe Public Schools bus carrying 31 elementary students on Dixie Highway, just north of Cousino Road in LaSalle Township. Ms. LaLonde, a bus assistant for the school district, also noticed the bus. She ran alongside to try to help the driver and the students. Mr. Lambert and Mr. Pierce climbed aboard and brought the bus to a stop, safely.