Zum, tech-enabled student transportation provider, recently held a community event honoring school bus drivers serving the San Francisco Unified School District.

The celebration was held on Friday, Nov. 18, to recognize bus drivers with 40-50 years of continued service with the "Exceptional Community Award," the recipient of the inaugural "Paul Stein Award," and the "Safety Award." The Thanksgiving community gathering included more than 200 bus drivers, city representatives, school board members, community members, and Zum employees.

"It is the time of year when we give back and give thanks," said Ritu Narayan, CEO of Zum. "Bus drivers are the unsung heroes in our communities. It is great to be able to take the time to recognize the very people who are the heart of what we do at Zum. It is a privilege to get to work with each and every one of our drivers to help get children to school safely and on time."

"I am grateful to Zum for recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary, dedicated school bus drivers who have played an instrumental role in the lives of San Francisco's children who they drive to school every day and the communities in which they serve," said Assemblyman Matt Haney. "It was truly an honor for my office to be with them and give them the recognition they deserve."

Inaugural Paul Stein Award

Given to Shirley Canyon who, according to a Zum news release, goes above and beyond to get kids to and from school safely each day just like Paul Stein, a retired and beloved bus driver, did for more than 50 years.

Exceptional Community Award (40-50 Years of Service)

• Dale Sutton: 52 years

• Shirley Canyon: 51 years

• Jimai Griffin: 47 years

• Gene Guzman: 44 years

• Norman Gatewood: 42 years

• Hugh Wesley: 42 years

• John Leon-Guerroro: Tenured mechanic

Safety Award (Exceptional Safety Performance)

• Jose Sandoval

• Shirley Canyon

• Melody Ortega

• Shane Hoff

"It is an honor to serve my community each and every day," said Shirley Canyon, recipient of the Paul Stein Award, Exceptional Community Award for 51 years of service, and Exceptional Safety Award. "I love being a positive start to the day for the kids I drive to school and ushering them home safely at the end of the day. It has been my life's purpose for decades, and I would not have it any other way."