Russellville Independent School District bands together after tragic event

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky.- On Sunday, Sebastian Davis, a second grader at Stevenson Elementary and Olivia Leek, a preschooler at Russellville Preschool Academy, died in an Indiana car crash. Trinity Davis, a third grader at Stevenson Elementary, was injured in the same crash. Superintendent Bart Flener said Monday was a tough day.

“Yesterday was a very difficult day for the Russellville Independent Schools family. When you lose students, it makes it hard for everyone. there are so many connections from their teachers to their classmates to the family involved,” Flener said.

In response, the district was ready to band together in every way possible. School counselors were made available for students who were shaken by the event. Counselor Ashley Staggs said situations involving death can lead to a lot of questions, which is why the presence of a trusted adult is key.

“Death is hard for even a grownup to fully understand. the why, and why would this happen. It’s not really fathomable for a grownup, let alone a child, so we need to be there for the kids,” Staggs said.

In addition to the counselors at the school, the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative crisis response team rushed in to further help the students in need through various methods of support. Mental health counselor Adriah Whitlow said the first step to recovery, is letting the student know they have support.

“They have a building full of people who are willing to help. I think that one of the helpful tips that Mr. Flener sent out was even just for parents, what do you do when kids get home, how to have those conversations with them,” Whitlow said.

Students also showed support by creating works of art and cards for their friends and affected families living out the lesson on being compassionate citizens.

“Just being able to talk about their feelings and work through that process is really special,” Flener said.