LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA — On Thursday, April 17th, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) hosted a heartfelt event to recognize and celebrate the dedicated individuals who ensure the safe transportation of students across the parish. The celebration, held at Acadiana High School Stadium, brought together bus drivers, attendants, and other transportation staff for an afternoon of appreciation, camaraderie, and recognition.
The event featured a special slideshow displayed on the stadium scoreboard, showcasing the names of all the honorees. In addition to the visual tribute, attendees were treated to T-shirts donated by “Love Our Schools” and enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Kenworth of Louisiana. Buses were provided to transport employees to and from the event, ensuring everyone could participate in the festivities.
A highlight of the event was a surprise presentation shown on the scoreboard, honoring the hard work and dedication of the transportation staff. The video featured a list of the names of all the drivers and attendants, along with a heartfelt closing message that left many in the audience deeply moved. The video was later made available for employees to keep as a special memento, allowing them to share the moment with family and friends.
One longtime bus attendant, who has been with the district for several years, shared her deep love for her job and the children she serves. “I love them babies. They get on the bus crying or something, Ms. Robyn is right there,” she said, highlighting the close connections that transportation staff build with the students. “The children are the reason I do this every day.”
The event also served as an opportunity to recognize the significant improvements made in bus route coverage. Under the leadership of Ross Cloteaux, the district’s Transportation Operations Manager, 98% of bus routes are now fully covered—a remarkable achievement that reflects both the dedication of the staff and the district’s commitment to providing reliable transportation for students.
In addition to the awards and recognition, special prizes were raffled off to employees with perfect attendance during the recent testing period. Prizes included high-demand items such as Bose speakers and ice chests, adding an extra element of excitement to the celebration. However, attendees had to be present to win, creating a sense of community and shared experience.
LPSS officials credited local partners, including “Love Our Schools” and Kenworth of Louisiana, for their generous contributions to the event. Their support, along with the unwavering commitment of the transportation staff, made the event a resounding success.
The celebration was a testament to the vital role that bus drivers and transportation staff play in the day-to-day operation of the school system. By providing a safe and reliable means of transportation, they ensure that students can get to and from school each day, allowing for a successful and uninterrupted educational experience.
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the Lafayette Parish School System’s transportation team is not only essential to the functioning of the district but also valued and cherished by the community they serve.