Chinook's Edge School Division is highlighting a bus driver who has safely been delivering students to and from school for almost 50 years.
Jim Bowhay has been a school bus driver in the Sundre area, on and off again, since 1977.
“I graduated from high school in June that year, and a neighbour suggested I get a license and become a spare bus driver,” says Bowhay. “I started driving when I was 18 years old and one month. Some of the students on the bus were older than me. Now I am driving some of the children of students I used to drive.”
According to him, the kids are what motivates him to return the role that he has held for the majority of his life.
"“They can be mischievous, but as long as they know the boundaries, it works out okay. The kids think I have a third eye because I don’t just know what’s going on on the road, but with them, too. I don’t miss much.”
Corinne Varga, Chinook’s Edge Transportation Director, says, Jim prioritizes safety every day behind the wheel, and the dedication and respect he shows to his students, parents, and coworkers is incredible.
“Our transportation department was extremely happy to bring Jim back on board! I appreciate all of our drivers as I know firsthand what they go through on a daily basis. We have the best team and I couldn't be more proud.”
Bowhay says he's glad to be part of Chinook’s Edge and values the strong leadership within the transportation department.
“They’re just good,” he says. “They listen to what we need. I feel heard and supported, and I am grateful for that.”
May 5 was bus driver appreciation day.
The school division has 12 schools in neighbouring communities, including Olds, Mountain View County, Didsbury and Carstairs. Chinook's Edge has a total of 11,000 students across 40 Central Alberta schools.
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