It Starts with a Smile Tasha Mitchell is known for greeting every student who boards her bus with a warm smile. Now, that trademark grin is on display at more than 500 of our locations across North America. As one of six employees featured in posters that highlight our company values, Tasha’s poster reminds employees […]

Sharon Lanham is a familiar, trusted face in the community she serves. With nearly 40 years of experience, Sharon is the longest tenured driver to provide service for the Calgary Board of Education at her location. “I am blessed to be doing a job that I really love,” says Sharon. Nearly 40 Years and Counting […]

In the Field There is no place Joanne Waterhouse enjoys being more than in the field with our frontline employees. As a multi-site safety manager, she has many opportunities to interact with our drivers while instilling the importance of our core value. “I have a strong passion for safety,” says Joanne. “I also have a […]

More Than a Job What Bob Rutkoski thought was going to be just a job grew into a profession and a passion. Our Area General Manager (AGM) for Northern Illinois has now served the student transportation industry for more than 20 years. “I feel incredibly fortunate,” says Bob. “When you love what you do, it’s […]

For our location in Cornwall, Ontario, caring for the community they serve has taken on special meaning. The team not only works together to transport students to and from school safely, but to also make a real difference in the lives of children. Since 2009, the location has raised more than $350,000 to benefit Children’s […]

Reggie Garrett has never been one to shy away from a challenge, whether it be running a marathon or running a new First Student location. “Success motivates me,” says Reggie. “One of the best ways to be successful is to share what you know with others and watch them grow.” As a senior location manager, […]

The yellow school bus has always been a part of Lydell Banks’ life. He grew up in the student transportation industry. His dad has been a school bus owner-operator for more than 35 years. Lydell is now forging his own path as a safety manager who assists First Student locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. “I […]

As a single mother who worked three jobs while her children were growing up, Linda Bowar dreamed of retirement one day, but all of that changed the first time she got behind the wheel of a school bus. “I found my passion and my purpose,” says Linda. “I absolutely love what I do, and I […]

It’s about Safety As our largest First Student location, it is easy to understand why the team in Wichita has adopted the nickname “BOSS,” but it is not just about size. “BOSS stands for big on safety success,” shared Training Center Manager Chuck Mosqueda. He leads a Safety team that is responsible for ensuring we […]

Her title is Operations Manager, but to her colleagues, Sherri Cole is also known as “Mama Bear.” She is committed to caring for the students who ride our buses, and also inspiring the drivers at our location in Fresno, California, to perform at the highest level. Tender Heart Sherri is marking her 30th year in […]

I Bleed Yellow For nearly 30 years, Val Hartwell has worked to provide the best start and finish to the school day for generations of students. “School busing has been in my blood for most of my life,” shares Val. “It is what I truly care about. I tell everyone I bleed yellow.” Drawing Inspiration […]

Student transportation is in Laura Greene-Halley’s genes. She grew up in a household where school busing was the family business. Her passion for the industry has only grown over the years. “When we provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for children to get to and from school, we do our part to set them […]