PGCPS to Host 'Surprise' Celebration for Bus Driver Who Saved 20 Students

BOWIE, MD — Attention, Renita Smith: Prince George's County Public Schools intends to surprise you with a celebration Wednesday after you saved 20 students from a burning bus in dramatic fashion.

Smith, a bus driver, earned accolades earlier this month when her quick thinking allowed her to safely escort 20 children out of a school bus that caught on fire with no injuries, and make sure all of them went home safely with their parents.

The fire broke out in the 9600 block of 51st Avenue in College Park on Sept. 12 as the kids were being driven home from school. Authorities believe the fire originated near one of the rear wheels and then extended throughout the bus.

Now, PGCPS has let everyone know with a press release that it is recognizing her with a "surprise celebration of appreciation" on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Glenarden Woods Elementary School at Robert Goddard Montessori, which is located at 9850 Good Luck Road, Lanham.

So nobody tell her.

Image via Prince George's County Fire Department