Pennsbury Names Lakawitz Bus Driver Of The Year

YARDLEY, PA — Jeanne Lakawitz, a Pennsbury School District employee for 14 years, has been named the district's 2018 Bus Driver of the Year.

District transportation Director Charlie Williams made the announcement at the bus drivers' annual kickoff meeting in late August. Lakawitz currently drives for students attending Pennsbury High School, Pennwood and William Penn middle schools and Quarry Hill Elementary School.

"Jeanne Lakawitz is a great example of the best qualities of a bus driver," said Williams. "She is dedicated, compassionate toward her student passengers and also passionate about her work. She develops a good rapport with the students."

At the meeting, Pennsbury student Cameren Cooper spoke about the relationships he's formed over the years with his bus drivers, including Lakawitz.

"You have had such a huge impact on my life," Cameren said at the meeting. "Please remember that there may be someone else like me out there who is in elementary school right now and you can be just as inspiring to him or her as you have been to me."

Lakawitz said she enjoys her work and building relationships with both the students and their parents.

"I love children and treat them all as if they’re my own," she said. "It is a joy to have them on my bus."

In addition to driving for Pennsbury, Lakawitz also is in her 14th year transporting summer campers attending programs at the YMCA in Fairless Hills.

Before joining the school district, Lakawitz had worked at Langhorne Carpets in Penndel and OKO Plush Co. in Hulmeville. She is a graduate of Neshaminy High School, having also attended Our Lady of Grace School.

"I love what I do,” she said, "and I’m honored to receive this special recognition."

Photos courtesy Pennsbury School District