School bus driver of 44 years wins major award
For Kevin Davis, driving the bus daily is routine, but for the people in his community, riding with Kevin is the highlight of their day. Kevin has been driving a school bus for Tipp City schools since 1980, and in that time, he has made a collection of memories, friends, and kids who look up to him.
Due to Davis’s kind heart and consistent positivity, he has been named the School Bus Driver of the Year by the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation. In his 44 years of driving, Kevin has dedicated every day to being who many would call the best bus driver ever.
Kevin was surprised by his nomination after finding a letter in his locker from the Association congratulating him after his usual morning route. However, for his friends and community, this is no surprise at all. It’s evident that nobody is more deserving. In an interview, the driver said, “I never dreaded going to work, never a day did I dread to come in: I look forward to seeing the kids and seeing the people.” The kids and the people share this sentiment, and Davis’s personality and kindness have touched many hearts for as long as he’s been driving. The hearts, especially of the sports teams and extracurricular students at Tippecanoe. This year, Kevin drove the Tippecanoe High School Cross Country team to many of their meets.
On the drive to one of the earlier events, Kevin said with confidence, “Guys, we’re gonna go to state this year.” and without fail, meet after meet, the team did exceptionally well. It became an inside joke, when Kevin drives, we win. After a season of rides with Kevin, the bus driver drove the team to their state competition, which, in the coach's words, he “spoke into existence.” Some might call it luck, but I’d say there’s no coincidence at all. Kevin’s encouragement and care for each of the runners was an extra push in the back of their minds to do well. This encouragement is replicated every day outside of games or competitions. Whether the kids are getting ready for school and hopping on the bus ready to have a good or bad day, Mr. Davis sets the students up for success with his famous quote, “I love ya’ll, ya’ll are my kids.”
Regardless of any challenges they may face, whether it be a lost game, a failed test, or even just a rough day, the children of Tipp City can count on Kevin to make their day just a little bit better. He says, “I think when you grow their respect over the years, and they grow up with you, they become your friends.” Everybody has someone who makes them feel loved, and for some, it might just be their bus driver Kevin.
Tipp City is lucky to have such a good friend who goes above and beyond to maintain a great attitude and example of kindness behind the wheel each and every day. This makes the Tippecanoe community so proud of Kevin Davis, who won his well-deserved School Bus Driver of the Year award.