When Jackie Wilkerson Brown learned she had been nominated, and ultimately won, School Bus Fleet's inaugural 2025 School Bus Driver Hero Award, her reaction was pure emotion. 

"I was absolutely thrilled, grateful, and humbled," Brown said, reflecting on the news. "To learn that someone had nominated me for this award and the acknowledgement of my tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to my students as a bus driver, well, I've been envisioning an opportunity like this." 

Sponsored by AngelTrax, the School Bus Driver Hero Award is a brand-new honor created for the exceptional drivers who go above and beyond to keep students safe and make a meaningful difference through everyday heroic actions that inspire and strengthen communities. 

This award is long overdue, as school bus drivers deserve more distinction for the essential part they play in their students’ safety and success. We believe it’s time they received the recognition they’ve earned! 

Katherine Tolar, VP of operations at AngelTrax, highlighted Brown's dedication and achievements as the award's inaugural winner, noting how she goes the distance to celebrate student achievements, help those in need, and build strong relationships with her district community. However, Tolar noted that Brown's positive attitude, servant leadership, and commitment are what make her a true hero and community cornerstone. 

For Brown, winning the award was not just about receiving recognition for what she's been able to do as a driver, but the honest admission of the care and devotion she has put into her work for over two decades. 

Her work goes beyond merely driving a bus. Brown, who has been lovingly deemed “Ms. Jackie,” continues fostering connections, ensuring safety, and being a reliable, caring presence in her students' lives. From her infectious smile to her ability to de-escalate tense situations, Brown has earned the love and respect of the entire Lansing School District in Michigan. 

From Family Road Trips to the School Bus 

Brown's path to becoming a school bus driver started long before she began driving for the Lansing School District in 2004. Growing up, Brown was often behind the wheel during family trips, taking her mother, siblings, and grandmother on excursions. 

This experience on the highways led her to briefly consider a career as a semi-truck driver, inspired by her uncle, Major Howard Jr., who had been a truck driver. But as much as Brown loved driving, the thought of being away from her young children for extended periods made her reconsider that path. 

Instead, Brown's sister, Teresa Wilkerson Snead, who was already a school bus driver, suggested she apply for a position at the Lansing School District. At the time, Brown was working part-time as a bus monitor for a charter school. In 2004, Brown began her formal training with the district, starting a new chapter that would ultimately define her career. By 2006, she was hired full-time as a bus driver, a role she would continue for the next 21 years. 

"My first year driving was a transformative experience that taught me the true meaning of responsibility," Brown said. 

In 2014, after the Lansing School District privatized its school bus services, Brown joined Dean Transportation. Although the change marked another chapter in her career, her dedication to her students and the job never changed. In 2016, Brown took on an additional role as a motorcoach driver with Dean Trailways and became a recruitment ambassador for the company in 2023. 

The Heart of a Hero: Going Above and Beyond for Students 

How bus drivers make a difference in the lives of their students is not confined to the time they spend on the bus. Over the years, Brown has gone the extra mile to support students and their families in ways many would never expect from a bus driver. 

"She will attend games or any after-school activity if a child asks her to," one teacher wrote in their nomination. "She buys or collects clothes, coats, and shoes to help kids who may desperately need them. It's not uncommon to see her running down the hallway, bag in hand, bringing something for a child or class." 

"As a driver, I vowed to treat every child who steps onto my bus as if they were my own, providing them with the same love, care, and protection that I would give my own children," Brown said. 

Another nominator explained how Brown notices the important things, such as a student wearing the same clothes day after day. She quietly ensured the child received the needed help without drawing attention to the situation. According to other nominations, she also connects with parents, helping them through tough times by linking them with organizations and agencies that can meet their needs. 

Beyond providing for students' basic needs, Brown has been there for her students through some of the most challenging and celebratory moments. She has attended graduations, weddings, funerals, and even sat in the hospital waiting room during a student's emergency, all to support these families during life's major events. 

"To see some of my students that I watched grow up now have their own children, and some have even ridden my bus, is truly heartwarming," Brown said. "Receiving the love, hugs, and appreciation from my students, parents, and staff members makes it all incredibly worthwhile." 

"That's who Jackie is," a former administrator wrote in their nomination. "She leads with connection, with heart, and with action. Jackie Wilkerson Brown is not just a great bus driver — she is a true advocate, a community connector, and a role model for us all. She exemplifies servant leadership and performs her role with a passion that cannot be taught because it comes from within." 

Building Trust, Safety, and Community 

Brown's ability to build relationships with the Lansing community makes her such a beloved figure, a sentiment echoed by teachers, administrators, and parents alike. They speak of her genuine care and concern for everyone she interacts with. 

Parents know they can count on her for safe, reliable transportation of their students, and students know they can trust her to listen, encourage, and keep them safe. Plus, staff and administrators know they can depend on her to be a positive, professional education partner. 

"[Brown] has been a cornerstone of our school transportation program and a trusted figure in our community," a superintendent and administrator wrote. "Her faithful service has contributed immeasurably to the success of our transportation program and the well-being of our entire school community." 

Most, if not all, of Brown's award nominations, touch on her capacity for kindness and emotional intelligence, which play into her success as a bus driver. "I've watched her connect with students of all ages, from preschool through high school," one noted. 

"I come from a large family, and growing up, I witnessed a multitude of personalities and experiences, both good and bad," Brown said. Time itself helped teach Brown invaluable lessons in self-awareness and conflict resolution, which have proven to be "highly transferable" to the school bus driver profession. 

Brown's approach to challenging situations is another reason why she is so admired. When a student acts out or is upset, Brown is known for her ability to de-escalate the situation with calmness and empathy. 

"Students speak of her not just as their bus driver, but as someone who truly cares about their well-being and success," another nominator wrote. "Her warm smile and encouraging words have been a source of strength for children who may be facing challenges at home or school. 

Brown notes that she consciously observes their behavior and body language when they board and exit her bus. "I thrive to build a rapport with each of them by learning their names and encouraging open communication," Brown said. 

Although she offers to chat with any of her students, Brown also maintains close communication with teachers, principals, and parents to ensure they work as a united front to address issues and provide the "best possible support" for Lansing students. 

"A positive attitude can make a big difference in a stressful situation," Brown said. 

Sharing Wisdom With the Next Generation of Bus Drivers 

As a veteran driver, Brown has been responsible for mentoring new drivers entering the profession. Out of anyone, she understands the challenges that come with the job and is always willing to offer advice and support to those just starting out. 

"Mentoring can be quite challenging," Brown said. "Sometimes they heed your advice, and other times they come in already knowing everything." However, she offers overarching advice, such as: 

• Safety is the number one priority.

• Familiarize yourself with your route and know your neighborhood (especially during construction for alternate routes).

• Establish a rapport with your students, get to know them, and don't be a "mirror" bus driver.

• Maintain control of your bus. 

Her mentorship goes beyond providing tips on driving and managing the bus, focusing on showing up confidently and consistently for the students. 

"If everything a child does bothers you, this profession is not for you," Brown said. "You have to be able to prioritize your battles, remain consistent, and remember that you are the captain of your ship." 

Her leadership and guidance have earned her the respect of her colleagues, who often come to her for support or advice because they know how she navigates the complexities of her job with grace. "Being a bus driver is a difficult job. Trying to maintain order and provide safety simultaneously takes great skill, which [Brown] possesses," one nominator wrote. 

A Legacy of Love and Laughter: 21 Years of Impact 

Reflecting on her 21 years of service, Brown is proud of the relationships she has built and her impact on the Lansing School District students. Through it all, she remains humble, focused on the work she continues to do each day. 

"Being a bus driver offers a sense of fulfillment and purpose through making transformative differences in children's lives and being a positive influence," Brown said. 

“I would like to thank the Lansing School District staff and principals, as well as the parents who spoke the kind words to get me nominated for this prestigious award,” Brown added. “I’d also like to thank Dean Transportation, Kellie Dean, Patrick Dean, Christopher Dean, and Brian Thrasher, as well as my family, friends, and King Arthur Brown Sr.”  

Her legacy takes many forms — one's filled with dedication, compassion, and service. Whether it's stepping up to help during a staffing shortage, attending a student's sports game, hosting a potluck for district mechanics, or simply offering an encouraging smile, it's undeniable that Brown's influence extends far beyond the role of a bus driver. But that doesn't mean there's a lack of fun, either. Brown is known for pranking students and staff, telling jokes, singing, dancing, photographing everything, and being a great storyteller. 

"She does all of this, daily, with a smile on her face," one nominator shared. "Which is why I think so many kids, teachers, administrators, and parents flock to her. They show her the utmost respect and love. [Brown] also has a unique way of reaching both kids and adults because, in her heart, she is still a kid!" 

Brown's commitment to her job and the community she serves is reflected in the countless nominations she received from students, parents, and district staff. The stories about her formed a grateful echo, emphasizing how her dedication goes "mountains" beyond her duty. 

According to the superintendent, "She doesn't just do these things because they're required — she does them with love, and that love is felt by everyone who has the privilege of working with her."