'I Love My Job': Katonah-Lewisboro School Bus Driver Earns Honors

KATONAH, NY — A smiling face that greets a special group of students nearly every morning is being recognized for efforts to make the ride to and from school an especially meaningful part of the day.

From Katonah-Lewisboro Schools

Katonah-Lewisboro School District bus driver Carol Rivera Gaffey is honored as the National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year.

Congratulations to Katonah-Lewisboro Schools’ bus driver Carol Rivera Gaffey, who was awarded National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year this morning!

Nora Beltran, supervisor of the District’s Transportation Department, nominated Gaffey for the award last spring. “Carol never knew about it until I told her she won,” said Beltran.

In her letter of nomination, Nora Beltran, supervisor of the District’s Transportation Department, highlighted Gaffey’s work with a nonverbal student to demonstrate how she goes the extra mile to care for students and ensure that each one has a positive experience on her bus.

"She is the passenger’s voice," said Maritza Valentin, national account manager for AMF-Bruns of America, who gave the award. "It is evident that her efforts have not only improved the student’s experience but also impacted her positively."

"It’s my pleasure," said Gaffey to the audience of family, fellow bus drivers and District administrators as well as several of her passengers. "I love my job."