Beyond the Bus

By: Giovanna Bechard & John Rosales

There’s just something special about the bus drivers in Gardiner.

When you walk on to Ted Zagwyn’s bus you immediately notice the difference. Zagwyn, a member of the Gardiner Bus Drivers Association, is not only focused on getting kids from Point A to Point B, he’s also focused on engaging them while they ride.

“I put in coloring books and crayons, word puzzles and comic books. I always switch out the books depending on what grade level is on the bus. I always have something to keep them occupied, no matter what age group is riding,” said Zagwyn. The activity books are carefully positioned for all students to reach them in bags attached to the side of the bus, on the inside seat. This allows students to simply sit and color or read. Zagwyn says students often swap books, which he purchases with his own money.

“They’re quiet and they’re learning. Even the big kids are coloring. When I first put the books in this fall, the kids were surprised and they just looked at them and then said-‘Oh good, stuff to do!’” said Zagwyn.

Zagwyn says when the students are engaged they’re better behaved, which is always his goal as he focuses on providing a safe ride.

While safety is always priority number one for all drivers across “We’re more than bus the state, the members of GBDA take caring drivers, we converse for children and their with students every community to a whole new level, especially day, encouraging them over the holiday to study hard and season. The secret Santa who drives a follow their dreams.”- bus for Gardiner is Charles Wilson, GBDA confident his identity is safe from his President more impressionable students. Surprisingly, even his teenage passengers resist breaking his cover as jolly Saint Nick.

“Some of the older kids recognize me but don’t say anything because they don’t want their younger brothers and sisters to know too early about Santa,” says Leslie Crockett, a member of GBDA who volunteers to appear as Santa at local craft fairs, private parties, museum and other charity events.

“I enjoy it,” says Crockett, who also dons superhero and other costumes year round on his bus and at school events. “It’s one way I give back to my community.”

The local’s holiday spirit began in November when members raised $250 to buy Thanksgiving Day turkeys for less fortunate families. When members learned that a local supermarket chose to donate the turkeys in partnership, GBDA members used the funds to purchase gifts for students.

“We’re more than bus drivers,” says Charles Wilson, GBDA President. “We converse with students every day, encouraging them to study hard and follow their dreams. During the holidays, we want them to have something under the tree.”

And by all accounts the kids in Gardiner are getting more than just something under the tree in part thanks to their school bus drivers.