Submitted photo Harman School student Lily Roy was recently recognized by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office during a special recognition ceremony. Taking part in the ceremony were, from left, Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon, Randolph County School Director of Transportation Nick Alfred, Roy, and Randolph County Prevention Resource Officers Danny Pennington and Rocky Hebb.

HARMAN — Lily Roy, a student at the Harman K-12 School, was recently recognized by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office during a special recognition ceremony.

Sheriff Rob Elbon, Randolph County Prevention Resource Officers Danny Pennington and Rocky Hebb, and Randolph County School Director of Transportation Nick Alfred, presented Roy a Certificate of Recognition for the bravery and leadership she showed after a school bus accident back on Dec. 17.

Roy was onboard a school bus that was struck by another vehicle while waiting to turn onto the Whitmer Road from Route 33 near Harman. Roy, who was one of the older students on the bus, confronted a scared group of younger children who was traveling alongside her.

“Lily demonstrated courage, maturity, and compassion after the bus accident,” Elbon said. “She immediately stepped up and worked to help keep the younger kids on the bus calm. She thought more about taking care of the other kids than worrying about what she had just gone through.”

Along with her Certificate of Recognition, Roy was also awarded two challenge coins as a symbol of appreciation for her courage.

Roy’s Certificate of Recognition read, “This certificate honors outstanding courage and compassion for prioritizing the safety and well-being of others. Your exceptional bravery and commitment to helping those in need deserve the highest recognition from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.”

According to Randolph County Schools, all of the students who were involved in the bus accident were examined by paramedics after the crash and released into the custody of their parents or guardians. None of the students were transported to the hospital by emergency personnel.

The Harman Fire Department, Whitmer Fire Department, Randolph County Emergency Squad, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, and West Virginia State Police were all on the scene of the accident.