Mike Pantano was driving a bus carrying 11 Silver Creek students along Route 20 when a vehicle crossed over the median, into the lane of the bus, heading in the opposite direction. Pantano quickly swerved and avoided direct head-on contact with the vehicle. The vehicles still collided, but Pantano and all 11 students avoided injury and were medically cleared to return to school.

“I was just doing my job. That’s how I look at it,” Pantano said.

Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston fought back tears as she recalled the day of the incident.

“The day that happened, it was a very scary phone call. Bus drivers carry the most precious cargo,” Ralston said. “That was an emotional day. When we got there, Mike said ‘I was just doing my job.’ That is way more than what you think of your job being.”

Silver Creek Bus Driver Mike Pantano, left, was presented with a sweatshirt by Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston, right, as Pantano was recognized for his actions to keep students safe during a two-vehicle crash on Sept. 29.

At a recent meeting, the Board of Education and administration from all levels of the district gave Pantano a standing ovation for his actions. Ralston handed Pantano a sweatshirt and hugged him before the whole room offered their thanks individually.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate all the support, it’s been overwhelming,” Pantano said to the crowd.

High School Principal Kyle Yelich shook Pantano’s hand after stating, “You did a phenomenal job. Thank you for keeping our kids safe.”

According to scanner reports the day of the incident, at 11:40 a.m., a car struck the bus at 2459 Route 20, just east of the town of Sheridan. The Sheridan Fire Department, Silver Creek Fire Department, and Chautauqua County EMS responded to the incident, along with New York State Police.

“Thankfully, everybody was safe. Everybody was OK, and no doubt, that is because of Mike’s quick and careful response,” Ralston said.

Ralston then addressed Pantano by stating, “The way you were able to pay attention, the way that you knew what was happening, you got everybody off that bus safely. The driver of the other vehicle, as well, was safe that day because of your reaction.”

Pantano said the students on the bus that day have since presented him with a card and a gift certificate to Tim Hortons as a token of their gratitude for his actions.

“They are a really, really good group of kids. Through all that, they asked me how I was doing. That meant a lot to me,” Pantano said.