5 days ago
BDS honors bus driver Ms. Shirley for over 50 years of service
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The school year just ended on Wednesday, and it was the last day of work for some Bay District School employees.
Ms. Shirley Odom drove her final route for Bay District Schools this week.
She began her career as a school bus driver over 50 years ago to meet her children's school schedule. Since then, she's driven over 20 different buses.
Ms. Shirley competed in the first annual school bus driver's safety rodeo. She went up against 45 other Bay school bus drivers, and Ms. Shirley won first place.
'It's an obstacle course that you drive the bus through. You have to practice, practice, practice to get it right. And out of all the bus drivers, I think there was only 45 participating here locally in the competition. And I come in with the highest score. But it was very interesting learning, and it was fun. And it's good practice for the drivers,' Retired Bay District Schools Bus Driver Shirley Odom said.
Remembering John Thrasher, former FSU President and Florida House Speaker
Getting kids to and from school safely requires more than just average driving skills. Bus drivers are required to have a commercial driver's license.
However, it's about more than just driving. Ms. Shirley has left an impact on generations of Bay County students.
'I'm going to personally miss Ms. Shirley's dedication and her punctuality. If she was to be there at 6:00, she was there at 6:00. She's very dependable, I didn't have to worry. Well, Shirley is going to be on her bus today. She's going to be on her bus this afternoon. She's just a well-rounded, awesome, dedicated employee provided for Bay District Schools,' Bay District Schools Northern Route Manager Jim Chambers said.
Bus driving runs in the family. Ms. Shirley's mother, Dorris Hallmon, was a bus driver. Now her son, Jody Odom, is continuing the legacy as a current bus driver in the district. Also, her daughter-in-law and grandson are teachers.
Ms. Shirley says she will miss driving students, but plans to stay busy during her retirement.
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