Bus driver enlists funds to send special-needs student to prom
The Virginia driver contacted a news station when she learned that the student’s family couldn’t afford to send her to prom. The station paid for the student’s prom outfit, and a local bank donated a $300 gift card to the driver for her good deed.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A school bus driver contacted a local news station to help with funds when she learned that the family of one of the special-needs students she transports couldn’t afford to send her to prom, News Channel 3 reports.
Landstown High School senior Zikia Proctor had been telling her bus driver, Jean Wildey, for months about how excited she was to go to the prom on May 30, according to the news source. However, an illness in her family racked up medical bills, leaving no room for prom expenses in the family’s budget, according to News Channel 3.
When Wildey heard about Proctor’s situation, she contacted News Channel 3 to help as part of its People Taking Action program. The news station bought Proctor an outfit for the prom, including shoes and accessories, and a local department store took 10% off the bill and provided cosmetics, News Channel 3 reports.
Additionally, a local bank donated a $300 gift card to Wildey for helping the student. Wildey told the news source she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life and is “just glad she can have her day.”
To read the full story, go here.
More Special Needs Transportation
HopSkipDrive Launches New Safety, Driver Consistency Features for 2026-27 School Year
The company’s free ride recording, live ride tracking, and consistent driver assignments aim to improve safety and continuity for diverse student transportation needs.
Read More →
The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)
Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained
Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.
Read More →
What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]
Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.
Read More →
First Student Boosts Student Support in Wichita & Texas
First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.
Read More →
2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →
The Lived-Experience Gap in Mobility Tech: An Expert Take on Safe Student Transportation
Brianna Pauwee, a product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user, drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus the story behind the new “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
What Transportation Gets Wrong About Wheelchair Securement (And How to Fix It)
Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →