Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008

Bus Driver

Hickory Grove woman earns state honors

By Shannon Greene

Enquirer Herald

YORK -- For the first time in two decades, school started in York without Wanda Childers welcoming students onto her big yellow bus.

She'll miss next the few months, too, but hopes to be back in time to wish them a Merry Christmas before winter break.

Childers, 52, is recovering from uterine cancer and can't drive until she finishes chemotherapy in December. She's had a rough few months dealing with the sickness, but one bright spot came this summer when she was named South Carolina School Bus Driver of the Year by the South Carolina Association for Pupil Transportation.

"This award couldn't have come at a better time," Childers said. "It made me feel so good at a time when I was beginning to wonder what I'd done wrong."

Childers was recognized from a pool of 56 bus drivers in York School District and some 6,000 in the state, said Richard Podmore, York School District One Transportation Supervisor.

"Wanda is well-known and loved in our community and she's respected by her peers, students, parents and administrative staff," Podmore said. "Parents know if their children on her bus, then their kid's taken care of."

'They're my own kids'

A Hickory Grove native, Childers has driven a bus in the York School District for nearly 26 years. She worked for eight years in a sewing room before changing careers.

"I just love the kids," Childers said. "I love watching them grow over the years from pre-K through sixth grade. I feel like they're my own kids."

Childers drives bus No. 508.0809 on a Hickory Grove/ Sharon route -- the same route she's driven her entire career.

"Now I'm driving kids of the kids I drove 20 years ago," said Childers, who even drove her own son to school and now hauls her grandchildren on the bus.

Childers has a special bond with the students. She's kept every present, card and trinket -- including dozens of school bus Christmas ornaments -- students have given her over the years. "They're all special because each one has a story," she says.

A typical school day for Childers starts around 4:30 a.m. She makes her morning stops, takes a break and returns around 11 a.m. for a kindergarten route. She goes home for lunch and is back for a 2 to 4 p.m. shift. Sometimes she works the afterschool program route, which could run until 6:30 p.m. or later.

"I'm on the roads a lot," she said.

She's usually exhausted by early evening and in bed by 9 p.m.

But she wouldn't trade her job, even when she hears complaints from parents because of occasional delays.

"I just apologize and point them to my boss man," Childers said, referring to Podmore.

"And I handle it," Podmore added. "Usually it's just a minor detour because a cow's in the road or something. Sometimes, it's a mechanical problem. It's not her fault. She's just doing her job."

'She never complains'

Driving a bus is no easy job.

"You can't take your eyes off the road for even a minute, but at the same time you have to keep the kids under control," Childers said.

It's not glamorous, either. In the winter months, Childers finds herself sweating in the driver's seat to make sure the bus is warm enough for the students.

"I'm up there burning up, but the kids have been standing out in the cold and are freezing," she said. "You do what's best for the kids."

According to the nomination form, "the state bus driver of the year has to be someone who has performed in an exemplary manner as to promote a safe, effective and efficient public transportation program."

Podmore says no doubt Childers meets that criteria.

He credits Childers' professional, "can-do" attitude.

"She has quietly helped new drivers find their way, and she is always willing to pitch in when other drivers are out," he said. "She never complains, nor does she seek praise or recognition, and she deserves both."

In spite of her medical condition, Podmore said she still worries about her students when she can't be on the bus to watch over them.

"I hate missing out on the kids' lives," Childers said. "I'll be back as soon as possible."