Retired school bus driver Ray White is still showing Cranbook, B.C. kids about school buses and safety. White is continuing a program he developed for kindergarten and grade one children based on the video “Pooh’s Great School Bus Adventure”.
White takes a bus with him and, after showing kids the video, he points out the safety features on the bus and shows children how to get on and off the bus safely. Then they go for a ride to the school district and see the buses being maintained. The kids meet the mechanics who explain what they do.
After seeing the bus go up and down on the maintenance hoist, they watch the bus being washed.
“They even get to see where the buses sleep,” said White. “This program gives kids a feeling of ownership.”
Even though White has seen times change and kids play electronic games now, he says that kids are still kids.
White received the Association of Transportation Services of BC’s School Bus Driver of the Year Award this year. As well as a plaque, he received a trip to the coast and a cheque for $500.
White retired this September after 25 years of service as a bus driver. He also served as president of CUPE 4165 (Southeast Kootenay School District) for 15 years. He’s still serving his community and helping children get to and from school safely.