HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Special-needs bus drivers at Henry County Schools who have perfect attendance are rewarded for their efforts by becoming eligible for new buses.
 
These drivers with exemplary attendance were entered into a drawing for the new buses that were purchased through the state of Georgia’s “Bonds for Buses” program. The state sells bonds and the money collected is distributed to local school districts to assist in purchasing new buses.
 
This year, there were 21 eligible special-needs bus drivers, and buses were awarded to five of them.
 
Virginia Lemons, Gary Bell, Dudley Dawkins, Don Baldwin and Ken Ross all met the qualifications to be entered into the drawing, and their names were selected at random for the big yellow prizes. Their current buses, depending on their condition, will either rotate to another driver in the fleet or be placed on a reserve fleet status.
 
“We appreciate the drivers who take extra pride in their jobs and make it to work every day,” said Cliff Shearouse, Henry County Schools’ director of transportation. “They perform a huge service for our kids, and they deserve the special recognition. The new bus giveaway is a creative way to reward them.”
 
Officials said delivery of the buses will take place before the end of the school year.

Henry County Schools maintains a fleet of 309 buses to transport 24,000 kids each day.