Richard Froese
South Peace News
High Prairie School Division has honoured Kevin Baker as the Bus Driver-of-the-Year for the 2023-24 school year.
The award is for the previous school year, states an HPSD news release June 12.
Baker has also been nominated for the provincial Bus Driver-of-the-Year Award through the Student Transportation Association recognition of his dedication.
Baker drives a rural route stretching 150 km across the north and east of High Prairie.
He began as a spare driver in 2009, became a full-time driver in August 2022 and has always been an enthusiastic supporter of field trips and student events.
Baker is a kid at heart and loves working with children and students and is the HPSD’s “gentle giant”.
He is a perfect fit for the role and is always seen with a smile on his face.
When the buses line up at the end of each school day at their first school and the clock strikes 3:19 p.m., he can be heard, without fail, on the bus radio stating – “annnnd we’re rolllllin’’.
Baker has driven bus for the school division Christmas food drive for several years.
He also volunteers with the bus for toy drives and has been willing to help out and drive when needed by the division.
Baker has dressed for the occasion, donning an elf suit for his Christmas volunteering.