Caswell's Bus Drivers of the Year Recognized on May 13
Principals were given a list of their District Drivers of the Month for review and asked to recommend their Driver of the Year. A panel of judges coming from the Transportation Department and District Leaders came together to judge the entries.
-Submitted by John Berdine, Director of Transportation, Caswell County Schools
This year Caswell County Schools recognized bus drivers who have gone above and beyond for our students. All our drivers have a great responsibility of transporting our students to and from school in a safe and timely manner. We have had some challenges, but also many successes. All our drivers are appreciated for their dedication to our students.
Beginning in August, we selected an elementary driver and a secondary driver for each month. Each nominee had to be present 100% during the month and not have any major incidents during the month. Each month a list of qualifying drivers was sent to the school’s Principal to make their recommendation for the driver of the month. Each school’s winner was reviewed and a vote by the Transportation Department Panel to select the District Driver of the Month. Each honoree was presented a certificate, bonus, and their photo was displayed on the Caswell County Schools Website as well as being displayed in the Transportation Office. The monthly winners were also then placed on the Driver of the Year Ballot.
School Principals were given a list of all their District Drivers of the Month for review, and they submitted a letter of recommendation to the Transportation Department for their Driver of the Year. A panel of judges coming from the Transportation Department and District Leaders came together to judge the entries. The panel voted for the Elementary and Secondary Drivers of the Year. Congratulations to all of our Drivers of the Year for the 2025/2026 school year.
Drivers of the Year for Each School
North Elementary – Melissa Comalander - 3 years of service
Oakwood Elementary – Sarah Lea - 38 years of service
South Elementary – Shelia Maldonado - 2 years of service
Stoney Creek Elementary – Jane Watlington - 10 years of service
N.L. Dillard Middle – Karen Kennon - 25 years of service
Bartlett Yancey High – Jonathon Barnes - 1 years of service
The drivers of the year have a combined driving history of over 79 years for Caswell County Schools.
Our Elementary Driver of the Year is Shelia Maldonado – Shelia has driven for South Elementary School for the last 2 years. and has attained perfect attendance for the 2024-2025 school year. Congratulations.
Our Secondary Driver of the Year is Karen Kennon – Karen has been driving for BYHS and Dillard for the past 25 years and has been a dedicated driver and employee. Congratulations.
Again, thank you to all our drivers for all you do and we look forward to next school year.
