The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) recently awarded Jill Bush its Driver of the Year honor.

Bush has worked for Strongsville City Schools since 2008. Her nomination form noted her ability to form bonds with troubled students.

“I am truly honored to have received this award,” she said. “My grandmother was a school bus driver for over 30 years in Canastota, New York, and I’m happy to be following in her footsteps. I love my students and my co-workers in Strongsville City Schools. We are truly a family and work together to help each other out, every single day. It means so much to be recognized for doing a job I love so much.”

Minnesota Association Honors School Bus Drivers at Annual Conference

The George Sontag Jr. School Bus Driver of the Year award, according to OAPT’s website, is given in honor of Sontag – a charter member of the organization – “to recognize bus drivers who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent” and throughout Ohio.

Other 2021 award recipients include:

• Michelle Main of Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools (Distinguished Service in Pupil Transportation)

• Rose Duett of Sycamore Community Schools (School Bus Attendant of the Year)

• Dave McClure of Ashland City School District (School Bus Mechanic of the Year)