Awards celebrate school bus drivers who make a difference in the lives of students
Some of the recipients of Outstanding School Bus Driver Awards for the 2017-18 school year
Hamilton’s school busing consortium has recognized 10 exemplary bus drivers from various carriers with Outstanding School Bus Driver Awards for the 2017-18 school year.
Nominated by schools, students and parents for their great service, the drivers received their awards at the annual school bus driver in-service hosted by Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services (HWSTS) at Michelangelo Banquet Centre on June 13.
“We spend a lot of time talking about how important teachers are… and rightly so,” HWSTS General Manager David Colley said.
“But I like to ensure people take a moment to think about the people who work tirelessly every single day to make sure children can get to school safely to learn those important lessons, and then drop them back off at home.”
Colley said bus drivers have a positive impact on a child’s school experience by safely bringing them to school come rain or shine; mentoring students; being a positive role model; obeying traffic laws; ensuring student safety; and much more.
This year’s award winners were:
- Thom Allan, Sharp Bus Lines
- Larry Fabbro, Attridge Transportation
- Helen Faria, Attridge Transportation
- Sara Gill, Sharp Bus Lines
- Maks Grzegorczyk, Sharp Bus Lines
- Dane Ilievski, First Student
- Brad Porter, First Student
- Jennifer Rainville, Caledonia Transportation
- Bill Rutherford, Sharp Bus Lines
- Rob Thompson, Sharp Bus Lines
The in-service welcomed about 175 attendees who work as bus drivers, dispatchers, supervisors and managers. Colley said the event has been going for about 20 years and has welcomed keynote speakers on everything from bus safety to comedy. This year, motivational speaker Sue “Positively Sue” Bassett spoke about on overcoming emotional blocks and rising above challenges to live life to the fullest.
The in-service also gave out Dedicated Driver Awards to 23 school bus drivers who have reached the five-year mark in their service.
In May 2008, HWDSB and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board partnered to form the HWSTS consortium. HWSTS provides transportation services to approximately 28,000 students daily.
Updated on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.