SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — The New York Association for Pupil Transportation's (NYAPT's) Nassau chapter has named Deanna Jankowski, a school bus driver with Educational Bus Transportation, its “Driver of the Year.”  

The announcement was made by NYAPT Nassau chapter President Keyana Wright.

“Each year, the Nassau NYAPT chapter recognizes professionals like Deanna Jankowski who are on the front line of providing exemplary school bus transportation service to our community,” Wright said. “Drivers like Deanna are charged with transporting the world’s most precious cargo, our future. They perform their duties with the utmost concern for our students’ safety and welfare. For this we recognize and honor Deanna today in naming her Driver of the Year.”

Linda Scarano, assistant supervisor of transportation with the Wantagh Union Free School District, nominated Jankowski for the award.

“Deanna has shown tremendous dedication in her role as lead bus driver for the Wantagh School District,” Scarano said. “Her attendance record is impeccable — it is hard to recollect one day that she has been out. Her driving record is just as impeccable. Her knowledge of the roads and routes has been a tremendous help with the district’s task of routing and timing. She is always willing and ready to answer any questions or resolve any issues that arise. She always has a smile on her face, and her enthusiasm is contagious. She is an exceptional asset to the Wantagh School District on a daily basis.”

A longtime school bus driver, Jankowski oversees the activities of all the men and women who drive on Educational Bus Transportation’s 29 Wantagh Union Free School District routes.

“It is a privilege to know Deanna and to have her driving for Educational Bus,” said Sean Corr, president of Educational Bus Transportation. “She is a complete professional, a wonderful human being, and someone who is very deserving of this award. Congratulations from all of us at Educational Bus.”