FROM STAFF REPORTS

Shelby County Bus Driver Rhonda Kendrick can now add another title to her resume—state champion.  Kendrick won the Alabama School Transportation Association School Bus Safety Road-E-O, held June 19 at the University of Montevallo.

Kendrick, a 23-year veteran bus driver for the Shelby County School District, won the state competition after qualifying to compete by winning the Shelby County Bus Road-E-O on April 16.  As the winner of the state competition, she received a first place plaque, $300 in prize money and the annual trophy that will be housed at the Shelby County Transportation for the year.

Bus drivers who compete in bus Road-E-O events must maneuver a bus through a very difficult obstacle course designed to test their driving and safety skills. The top four finishers of each local school district Road-E-O advance to state competition, while the top ten in each state advance to the Southeastern competition.

“The competition at the state level is very tough,” Kendrick said. “It is very stiff competition and I was so excited and shocked that I won!”

Shelby County Transportation Coordinator Kevin Snowden, who is leaving the county to take the reins as the Transportation Director for the State Department of Education at the end of this month, said he is pleased with Kendrick’s accomplishments.

“I am especially proud of Rhonda and the job she has done,” said Snowden.

Kendrick takes her job as a bus driver very seriously, because she realizes she has precious cargo on board, she said.

“I do take my job seriously,” Kendrick said. “I enjoy the children and getting to interact with them.  I really try not to be the mean bus driver.  During the holidays I spoil them with treats.”

She noted that she is very proud to be associated with the Shelby County School’s Transportation Department because of their proven track record, especially where safety is concerned.

“Our Transportation Department is great,” Kendrick said. “They are always there to assist us as bus drivers.  And, they listen to us, especially when we tell them about situations that we don’t feel are safe. They are always there to support us.”