Kathrine Alderman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
It takes a lot of people to run a school. Teachers, nurses, office staff, sanitation staff and more. But one part of the staff that is more important than one may think, is the transportation staff. Without bus drivers and those who work in transportation with the school, half the kids in the area wouldn't be able to get to school. They preform a very important and necessary task that helps the school function, so we're here to introduce some of them to you today.
Nicky Seaton: Nicky Seaton began her career in driving buses for a purpose, to ensure that every student had the transportation they needed to be able to obtain an education. That desire has led her to be a bus driver at Somerset for over three years! This year in particular, however, is rife with challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, and Seaton says it can be difficult to operate while maintaining social distancing and meeting all the guidelines set forth by the CDC. She's being careful, however, and doing things differently due to COVID-19. Such as, being more mindful of her everyday activities in the aspect of distancing, hand sanitizer and disinfectant.
When not on the job, Seaton enjoys relaxing, attending church, baking and spending time with her family: a husband of 21 years, three children, and her first grandson which they are expecting in November.
She would like parents and the public to know that “everyday is another chance to make a difference in the life of a child...I can't take those opportunities for granted.”
Lashara Macon: Lashara Macon decided that she would be a school bus driver because of her love for the kids. This love is the reason she has been employed with Somerset for over three years. COVID-19 has impacted her as well and she says one of the most difficult things is ensuring that the students wear face masks at all times. To combat the virus, some of the things Macon is doing differently are temperature checks, keeping surfaces disinfected and doing the best that she possibly can to keep the students, as well as herself, safe.
When not on the job, Macon enjoys going to church and spending time with her family: a husband, two children, and three grandchildren.
Alfreddie Hightower: Alfreddie Hightower has been employed with Somerset for over three years as a transportation supervisor and wants everyone to know that “the Supervisors and Bus Drivers of Jefferson Somerset Transportation Department strive to make our students feel welcome, respected, safe and cared for. We are the first line and the first face of the school day, so it is imperative that we make a lasting impression on our students by allowing their day to start off as pleasant as possible.” Something that he says is challenging this year is remaining safe and keeping the students safe during the pandemic.
When not on the job, Hightower enjoys spending time with his family: A wife of 49 years, two children, and five grandchildren.
Wendy Reeves: Wendy Reeves has been driving for Somerset for a little over a year now, and wanted to be a bus driver because of her love for the children and a nice schedule. Something that she says has been challenging during the pandemic is “making sure the little kiddos wear face masks at all times.” Differently than most years, she is also making sure to maintain the social distancing guidelines and properly sanitize.
Reeves has three children, the youngest being a senior at Jefferson-Somerset. When not on the job, she enjoys hunting, fishing and crafts.
ECB Publishing, Inc. reached out to the entire transportation team at Jefferson-Somerset, but only received four answers. Recognized below are the names of the whole Transportation Team. (Bus drivers route numbers are listed next to their names).
1. Mr. Alfreddie Hightower – Transportation Supervisor
2. Mrs. Nicky Seaton - Transportation Supervisor
3. Mr. Willie Carr - Mechanic & Bus Inspector
4. Ms. Annette Benjamin - Bus 1013
5. Mrs. Teresa Martinez -1008
6. Mrs. Christine Ford - 1014
7. Mrs. Lashara Macon (Leon County Transport)
8. Mrs. Mae Alice Howard -1005
9. Ms. Wendy Reeves - 3029
10. Mr. Willie Hawkins - 1012
11. Mr. Gary Scott - 1011
12. Mr. David Crumitie - 1007
13. Mr. Lucuis Wade - 1253
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