Coaches and bus driver recognized for assisting with car crash

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders paused Monday to recognize the selfless actions of four Ephrata Middle School volleyball coaches and an Ephrata school bus driver. Earlier this fall, an Ephrata School District bus was stopped for construction in East Wenatchee on the way home from a middle school volleyball game. A car approaching the construction scene did not stop and caused a rear-end collision that impacted three additional cars behind the bus. Thankfully, the bus was not involved. EMS coaching staff Whitney Pearce, Chantel Park, Courtney Bronowski and Brian Forster immediately jumped into action, grabbed emergency kits from the bus and began administering first aid until ambulances arrived. Bus driver Lavona Buchert helped to keep all 50 students safe and calm despite the chaotic scene behind the bus.