ROCKINGHAM — Bus drivers across Richmond County Schools were thanked and recognized during Richmond County Schools’ Bus Driver Banquet Thursday night.
Transportation Director Corey Davis said the banquet is a way to thank the drivers for their service and for some of the duties we don’t see everyday — including discipline, daily inspections, adjustment calls and being defensive drivers while on the road.
The banquet is also a time for fellowship, which is something Davis said he likes most about being with them.
“I truly enjoy them,” said Davis. “It’s a camaraderie. And a lot of them work two to three other jobs.”
For the 2018-2019 school year, Richmond County Schools has operated 91 school buses for 175 days. On average, drivers have transported approximately 4,200 children per day to and from schools. School buses have traveled 6,100 miles per day for a total of 1,067,500 miles this school year.
“When you look at the big picture of transportation, these numbers are astonishing,” Davis said during the banquet. “But more important than the numbers are the face of the individuals — the bus drivers, monitors, mechanics and office staff. You all are an integral part of Transportation. Your commitment, professionalism and willingness to work together is the glue that keeps the buses moving. I want you all to know I personally appreciate each and every one of you and want to say thank you for all you do.”
Interim Superintendent Jeff Maples and Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Dennis Quick also thanked bus drivers and monitors for the work they do throughout the school year.
“You are all so important to what we do,” said Maples. “We appreciate what you do so much and we want to show you how much we appreciate what you do for our kids, not only driving them to school safely, but also the relationships you build with them.”
School Board member Jerry Ethridge also thanked the drivers on behalf of the School Board and read a prayer titled “Bus Driver’s Prayer.”
Drivers were fed a warm meal and given awards and door prizes. Bus Driver Rosalind Dews was given the “Everyday Hero” award, Brenda Bostick received the “Bus Monitor Trainer” award, the “Cleanest Bus” award was given to Lawanda Whitted and Lillie Steele, Floretta Steele received the “Most Time in the Driver’s Seat” award and the “Team Building” award went to Mary Francis Dawkins.
Davis also awarded Henry McIver with the “Best DJ Voice on the Radio” award and LaToya Diggs with the “Best Utilization of the Radio” award.
The last award was given to the driver with the most years — Edna Stancil. Stancil has been driving for 40 years for Mineral Springs School, a school she said she attended when she was growing up.
“I was surprised and thankful,” said Stancil after receiving her certificate and flowers.
