Lowcountry school dedicates bus to former student athlete

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A Lowcountry school has welcomed a new bus dedicated to a former student athlete.

Bishop England High School unveiled the Russ Bus last night before its football game. The bus honors Russell William McLaughlin, a 2019 graduate who drowned last May in the Wando River.

Last year, loved ones and the Bishop England High School family came together to raise funds for a new Bishop England High School student activity bus to be named “The Russ Bus”.

Now, school officials say they are ready to officially welcome the Russ Bus home and dedicate its service to inspiring generations of Bishop England High School student athletes to play like Russ. They describe that as playing with unwavering leadership, self-sacrifice, and sportsmanship.

Bishop England cheerleaders lead those in attendance in cheers of “bring that bus” as it drove around the corner and was finally revealed.

Russell’s family was in attendance for the event. His father, Craig McLaughlin, says the community’s efforts to raise funds for the bus and dedicate it to Russell’s memory have been incredible.

“It’s awesome,” McLaughlin said. “It’s just amazing what the community has done to honor Russell. There are no words, it’s just incredible.”

McLaughlin designed the bus and says he was able to design it like he felt Russell would want and of all the designs and vehicles he’s wrapped this one was special.

The dedication took place Friday on campus in the West Parking Lot prior to the home football game.