February was nationally recognized as Love the Bus Month, a time when schools and communities across the country celebrate the iconic yellow school bus and, more importantly, the professionals who safely transport students each day. The month-long observance highlighted the essential role student transportation plays in education while recognizing the commitment, care, and responsibility required to ensure students arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely.

At Southwestern, that responsibility falls to a dedicated team of 18 bus drivers, six bus monitors, and two mechanics.

For bus driver Janet Carlson, one of the most meaningful aspects of the job is seeing students progress from their earliest days in prekindergarten through graduation.

“Having past students come up to you and tell you you’re the best is my favorite part,” Carlson said.

Members of the Southwestern Central School District transportation team. are pictured inside one of the district’s school buses.

The job has also taken her beyond her daily route. Carlson has traveled with student-athletes to major events, including accompanying cheerleaders to then-Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park and attending the girls’ volleyball team’s trip to the state finals, experiences that made drivers feel like part of the teams they supported.

Still, it is often the smaller moments that have the greatest impact.

Carlson recalled a former student who told her son that her daily greetings and well wishes had inspired him to become a teacher.

John Spacht, shared transportation supervisor at Southwestern, said Love the Bus Month offers an opportunity to recognize the drivers, attendants, mechanics, and transportation staff who support students each day.

“Our transportation staff is often the first to greet our students each morning, helping set the tone for a positive and safe school day,” Spacht said. “Their commitment to safety and to the students we serve is something I am truly proud of, and our schools and communities are better because of them.”

For Tammy Peterson, who has worked in the district for 21 years and has served as head bus driver since 2021, the role represents something more profound than a title.

“It represents trust from the district and the families whose children we transport every day,” Peterson said.

She noted that drivers are often the first and last school staff members students see, forming relationships that quietly support them throughout their academic journeys.

Among her most memorable experiences is driving students home after the annual After Grad celebration, a symbolic final ride for seniors she has often known since kindergarten.

“If you enjoy working with kids and like the corner office with a great view, this would be the perfect job for someone new,” she said. “Most of all, I take pride in knowing that what we do matters: safe transportation.”

Mary Blake, who has spent 26 years driving for Southwestern, said watching students grow over time has been especially rewarding.

“My favorite part of the job is seeing the students grow up and go through school,” Blake said. “We really do care about the students.”

Sue Bentley, a 35-year driver at Southwestern, said building relationships with students has always been central to her work.

“Being with the kids always puts a smile on my face,” Bentley said. “When they are having a bad day, I try to cheer them up.”

Over the years, Bentley has transported students from prekindergarten through graduation and, in some cases, later driven their children as well. Seeing former and current students in the community, and hearing their appreciation, remains one of the most meaningful parts of the job.

“If you are considering being a bus driver, you need to enjoy working with kids and enjoy driving,” she said. “I have really enjoyed all my kids over the years.”