Welcome to our new featured drivers section. Please check back every week for new drivers and questions. Also, watch for our upcoming issue of Durham Direct for more Q & A with Durham drivers.

Q. What role does your job play in a student's life?

Catherine Walter, Springfield, MA CSC

Being a professional school bus driver is a big responsibility. I have to show love, patience, kindness, fairness, and understanding to every child who rides my bus. I also have to be a confidant; someone who can see their side.

The kids have to know they can laugh, talk, and joke freely, while relaxing for a few minutes before they go to school. If I am able to do these things for them, I will get them to school safely, on time, and in a happy, comfortable mood to learn.

George Cooley, Springfield, MA CSC

First, I safely and securly drive them to school and home again, but it goes much further. Sometimes they do not want to go to school or have had a bad day, so I greet them with a smile in the morning and after school. I also sometimes have to be a bit of a clown to cheer them up and before you know it, there are smiles and giggles throughout the bus (I am there for them to talk to).

I have been a driver for 17 years. Don't let anyone kid you, the job is among the hardest but the rewards are the sweetest. Ask any driver who has transported children from kindergarten through their graduation and they'll tell you about the tears we get in our eyes when we say goodbye.

Sandy Stout, House Springs, MO CSC

The role I play in my students' lives is very important. I am one of the first people they see in the morning and my attitude may set the course for their day. No matter what kind of day I am having, I put on a smile and greet each of my students by name as they get on the bus. I want my students to know that I really care about them and their safety is my number one priority. I hope that all my students are learning some great safety habits by seeing how I operate my bus.