Celebrating Our Local Bus Drivers: Spotlight Series
Big yellow school buses and education vehicles will soon take to the roads to safely deliver more than 26000 of students to and from school every day.
School bus drivers and transportation staff are an integral part of our local education system. For many students, drivers are the first and last faces they
see during the school day. Bus and transportation drivers navigate traffic, inclement weather and a mix of rural and urban roadways to ensure families have
access to safe, reliable, equitable and accessible transportation to school.
Our schools couldn't run without this important public service. At Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), Kawartha Pine Ridge District
School Board (KPR) and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC), we appreciate the dedicated service of bus
and transportation drivers each day, supporting students, families and local schools, and we want to introduce you to some of these wonderful people through STSCO’s #SpotlightSeries!
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s Bus Driver Appreciation Day on October 19th!
Spotlight 1
Steve Whitehill is recognized for his kindness, valuable contributions, and many years of outstanding service at Century Transportation. After retiring from
his career as a decorated Fire Captain serving the City of Peterborough, Steve became a bus driver in 2018 as another way to give back to his community.
Steve Collins, Regional Director (Eastern Canada) at Century Transportation describes Steve Whitehill as an “amazing addition” to the team, highlighting
the many ways he goes above and beyond in his role.
“He returns to the office at the end of his route and always checks with our dispatch team and offers to assist when they are really busy. And he does this on
his own time because he cares about people and our team. Steve is just another one who I thank every day for being part of our Century family and making a difference!”
Reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of his job, Steve says he enjoys interacting with students and parents every day and appreciates the opportunity
to work with a wonderful team at Century Transportation.
For those considering a career in student transportation, Steve recommends becoming a Bus Driver as a great way to meet new people and work with tomorrow’s
generation, develop problem-solving skills, and make a difference with a positive attitude and a smile!
Spotlight 2
Jean Albertini Jean Albertini has been a longstanding and dedicated member of the First Student and STSCO community! Beginning her career
as a bus driver in 1997, Jean is recognized for her many years of outstanding service across Northumberland and Clarington communities.
One of the ways Jean demonstrates her commitment to student transportation is through her involvement with specialized transportation services. By driving a Special Needs bus,
Jean supports students who require special accommodations due to medical conditions or disabilities. In addition to seeing the children’s smiling faces everyday, she comments
on some of the other aspects of her job that bring her joy, including “talking with the students, joking with them, hearing them laugh and playing games.”
First Student is grateful for Jean’s dedication and exceptional service – her passion for meeting the individual needs of all students, and her strong commitment to safety is valued by many!.
For those considering a career in student transportation, Steve recommends becoming a Bus Driver as a great way to meet new people and work with tomorrow’s
generation, develop problem-solving skills, and make a difference with a positive attitude and a smile!
Spotlight 3
Bringing passion and a positive outlook to her role everyday,
Shirley Gearns is a valued team member and respected bus driver at Martin’s Bus Service.
Throughout her six years with Martin’s Bus Service, Shirley has driven the same bus route in Northumberland, serving Murray Centennial Public School with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
This has allowed her the unique opportunity to share special moments with students throughout their educational journey and watch them grow over the years, which Shirley describes as one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
In addition to greeting the students in the morning and wishing them a good day at school, Shirley enjoys the energy and excitement of students during the afternoon pick up. “It is so fun to listen
to the students chatter about the day and to see projects they have done. I have some pretty creative students,” she says.
Fellow colleagues and bus drivers comment on Shirley’s willingness to help out wherever possible.
“Shirley is always available to cover a run in any situation - scheduled time off or if a fellow driver calls in sick. Dispatch can call her in the mornings, even before the sun is up, and she is willing to help out wherever she can,” they share.
“She will alter her afternoon plans to cover a route that another driver is unexpectedly unable to drive, and she does it all with a smile. This is all in addition to driving her own route. Without her, dispatch would be much more difficult. We are grateful to have her,” they add.
For those looking for a part time job where they can positively impact the next generation, Shirley recommends pursuing a career in student transportation.
“The part time hours lend to accomplishing the necessary daily things and getting a few dollars to help with the finances. Driving a large vehicle is kind of fun too. Seeing the students’ faces is a great way to start each day!”
