SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — A school bus driver here has been honored by the school district she serves for exceptional service to the district’s students and staff.

Ramapo Central School District has named Chestnut Ridge Transportation bus driver Dunia Burns a “Mountie Superstar.” (Chestnut Ridge Transportation is a member of The Trans Group family of bus companies.)  

“One of the goals of the Mountie Superstar initiative is to recognize outstanding individuals from all aspects of our operations, since every member of our district team plays a vital role in the experience of our students, every day,” said Ramapo Central School District Deputy Superintendent Stephen Walker. “Dunia helps the children of our district to feel safe and secure as they begin and end their day on the school bus. She greets every child with a smile and by name, showing a genuine interest in their lives and great enthusiasm for her job. It’s an honor to name Dunia a Mountie Superstar.”

Burns has served Ramapo Central School District for five years as a driver for Chestnut Ridge Transportation. In addition to her daily routes to and from Suffern High School, Suffern Middle School, Cherry Lane Elementary School, and Richard P. Connor Elementary School, Burns transports students to and from after-school activities.

“When I drive the sports teams to their games, I always watch and cheer them on,” Burns said.

While Burns points out that “driving a school bus is about being fully aware of everything that’s going on around you,” the new Mountie Superstar still finds time to connect with the students.  

“We talk along the way, we laugh, and we have a great time. I love being involved and watching the kids grow up,” she added.

“Dunia is a remarkable individual and an outstanding, committed driver,” said John Corr Jr., president of Chestnut Ridge Transportation. “Everyone at Chestnut Ridge joins me in congratulating her today.”