Bruce Abbott, a bus driver for North Royalton City Schools, has been named the Ohio Bus Driver of the Year.
The George Sontag Jr. Ohio Bus Driver of the Year Award recognizes bus drivers who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent as well as in the State of Ohio. “We are very proud of Bruce and congratulate him on this honor,” said Superintendent Greg Gurka, North Royalton City Schools. “He is a wonderful representation of all the outstanding people who work in our transportation department.”
Bruce has an exemplary safety record and serves as one of the on-board instructors working with drivers for certification and training. In addition, Bruce has proven his skills by participating in the Ohio School Bus Road-E-O for the past 10 years. This year, his skills earned him a trip to the international competition. Bruce is a leader in the bus garage and has worked with his colleagues to grow the District’s participation in the Road-E-O. “He is a role model for our drivers and is looked upon with high esteem from our school parents and staff,” said Gurka.
“As superintendent, I know how critical it is to have employees who put the needs of the students at the forefront of all they do,” said Gurka. “Bruce does this every day. He is empathetic and compassionate and treats the students as if they were his children. He understands he is the first person they see in the morning and the last person they see at night and how he interacts with them sets them up for success. He develops positive relationships with the parents of the students on his route and I often hear how happy parents are when they find out ‘Mr. Bruce’ is their bus driver!”
Abbott will be recognized at a banquet on the evening of March 16 as part of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation annual conference.