Bus driver retires after 37 years

PONCA, Neb. — The Sioux City Journal reports that Nikki Carnell, a school bus driver for Ponca Public School District, drove on her route for the last time on Dec. 20, ending a 37-year career.

Carnell started working in school transportation after a friend talked her into driving a van for the district in 1977. The school superintendent asked her to drive a school bus after a few years, and ever since, she has driven 70 to 100 miles daily. She never had an accident, according to the paper.

As a tribute to her on her last day, many Ponca High School students who live along her route rode the bus instead of driving to school. When they arrived, the entire student body and her family greeted her inside the building, where she was presented with roses.

Carnell will continue to see her former passengers, working as a library aide at the school.
 
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