For many students, the morning bus ride is a chance to say hello and build friendships with their driver and fellow riders. A local school division program is recognizing just that.
Wolf Creek Public Schools recently wrapped up the third year of its successful Rider of the Month program, which recognized 398 students in the 2024–25 school year for their outstanding contributions to a positive bus environment.
Launched to celebrate students who go above and beyond during their daily bus rides, the program has now acknowledged a total of 1,188 students since its inception. From helping younger riders and showing leadership during safety drills, to simply being on time or demonstrating improved behaviour, students across the division have had the chance to shine — all thanks to nominations submitted by bus drivers.
“This program is really about celebrating the small acts that make a big difference,” said Tammy Freerksen, administrative assistant with Transportation Services. “It gives our drivers a way to recognize those moments that might otherwise go unnoticed but mean so much to the ride experience for everyone.”
The impact of the program reaches far beyond the bus ride.
“We hear from families all the time,” said Freerksen. “One parent told us they were nominated, and they went every day to the mailbox to see if their package had arrived. They were so excited to get something in the mail.”
Freerksen said the nominations can often be quite touching.
“They can melt your heart because of the cooperative relationship you feel between the driver and the student, and you know that the child and parent will be so proud,” she said.
“Parents have reached out to the driver and thanked them, and we have seen some great parent–driver communication that resulted from their kind words put onto the certificate.”
One driver shared: “I absolutely love your Rider of the Month program; 10 out of 10!” — a sentiment echoed by many others involved in the initiative.
With information from Wolf Creek Public Schools.
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