National School Bus Safety Week rolls through the Rez Oct. 19-25

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Academy Montessori recently honored the transporters of their most precious cargo-Binoojiinh.

A Bus Driver Appreciation Feast took place on Sept. 25 to show gratitude for years of patience and care in delivering students safely to and from school.

Kathy Bardos-Guarisco has been a bus driver for 27 years and has been with the Tribe since 1991. Last year she was promoted to Lead Bus Driver and now supervises the bus staff, coordinates bus staff training, and makes sure the buses are in good and safe working order.

Terri Kennedy has been driving bus for 17 years and has been with the Tribe since 1994. She was selected as "Bus Driver of the Year" for the 2002-2003 school year.

Terry Mullins has been behind the wheel for 20 years and started working for the Tribe in 1995. He is a huge Detroit Lions fan.

Stephanie Burk has been a bus driver for seven years and with the Tribe since 1998. She and her husband are expecting their first child in January.

Dan Syzak has been a bus driver at Saginaw Chippewa Academy since last year. Before that, he drove a shuttle bus for the Soaring Eagle Resort and has been driving trucks and buses since 1975.

Gidget Rowland is a Bus Aide/Driver. She is driving the Toddler bus this year and has five years experience.

Tonya Smith is also a Bus Aide/Driver. She aides on the 95-1 bus and fills in on any route when the driver is off that day. She has been with the Tribe since last year. Tonya previously drove for Shepherd and has six years experience.