By ANNA USHER

A former Shore student has been recognised with one of the nation’s highest bravery awards, five years after a violent attack on a school bus shocked Sydney’s lower north shore.

John Kenny, who graduated in 2022, has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct in the Australian Bravery Decorations Honours List for his actions during a frightening incident in 2019.

Back then, John was just 15 when a bus carrying students from rowing training was involved in a minor collision with a car on Burns Bay Road. What followed was the stuff of nightmares: after verbally abusing the driver, the furious motorist then boarded the bus and became aggressive with passengers.

John bravely stood up and tried to de-escalate the situation but was punched in the face and left with cuts and bruises.
Despite this, he managed to protect the boys – most of them aged 12 – and calm the situation until police arrived.

WATCH: Violent Road Rage Incident on School Bus

The Magistrate later described his actions as those of a true hero:

“In the video [see above] we see a coward and a hero. A hero who stood up, not to confront but to calm the situation and look after others… If I was the school, or the father, or the mother I would be very proud of this young man who did what was right.”

The Australian Bravery Decorations are part of the Australian Honours System, recognising individuals who selflessly risk their own safety to protect others. John’s actions exemplify the values of courage, compassion, and leadership that we strive to instil in our students.

Now 21, Mr Kenny is studying Commerce and Engineering at the University of Sydney and says the award was “totally unexpected”.

“I never thought that a split-second decision that I made on a school bus when I was 15 years old would ever lead to something like this,” he said.

“More than anything, I am just glad that nobody else got hurt. There were a lot of really young, scared boys there on that day, and I am pleased with myself that I had the guts to do something about it.

“This incident began a pretty turbulent time for me, and I am really grateful to have this recognition as a kind of bookend to that chapter of my life.”

Shore School Principal Dr John Collier praised John’s courage, describing him as a young man of compassion and leadership.

“This commendation is not just a recognition of one brave act, but a reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to stand up for others. Congratulations, Mr Kenny,” Dr Collier said.