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Bus Driver and Attendant of the Year Archive
2024
Crystal Ryan
General Education Driver of the Year
Bus 519
Holly Bostic
Special Needs Driver of the Year
Bus 471
Steven Arbaugh
Special Needs Attendant of the Year
Bus 349

Andreabeth Adams, Bus 330

Special Needs Attendant

Andreabeth Adams has been a special needs bus attendant with Harford County Public Schools for six years. Originally from Bel Air, she is a graduate of Bel Air High School. An attendant for a bus servicing the Maryland School for the Deaf in Columbia, Maryland, she says she has truly enjoyed learning sign language so she can successfully communicate with the students on her bus. Andreabeth also believes it takes a village to successfully support her students. With help from her driver, school staff, and the parents and guardians, they’ve come up with ways to meet each student’s unique special needs to make their trip to school as enjoyable as possible. A parent of one of the students on her run says there’s never a day when Andreabeth is not smiling. Even when their student has a rough day, Andreabeth has a positive attitude and makes sure to never focus on the negative.

Andreabeth is a proud grandmother. Her first granddaughter was born in November 2023, and her first grandson was born in February 2024.


Steven Arbaugh, Bus 349

Special Needs Attendant

Steven Arbaugh has been a special needs bus attendant with Harford County Public Schools for 10 years. Originally from Darlington, he graduated from North Harford High School in 2009. An attendant for a bus servicing Patterson Mill Middle School, Arrow Riverside, and North Bend Elementary School, Steven says it is key to get to know the students and listen to them. He aims to make their ride something to remember and says it’s amazing knowing the impact he can have on the students. One of his coworkers remarked that if there was anyone in the world they would want on their team, it was Steven.

Steven is an avid fan of wrestling. His mother, Norma Arbaugh, is a bus driver and was a finalist for Bus Driver of the Year in 2022. Steven and his wife Beth are expecting their first child.


Holly Bostic, Bus 471

Special Needs Driver

Holly Bostic has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for 23 years. Originally from Harford County, she is a graduate of Harford Technical High School. Her route services students from Dublin Elementary School and Harford Academy. Holly says she loves watching the kids grow and thrive and suggests that anyone who drives a bus get to know the students on their bus and their families. If you get to know them and build a foundation that helps the students be happy and successful, you end up with relationships that leave handprints on your heart forever. Several families and co-workers pointed out that Holly is a very kind and patient person. One parent said she always has a smile on her face and makes that because of Holly, their student looks forward to the bus ride every morning.

Holly has two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, deer hunting and traveling. She is a member of the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company.


C. Marie Dubas, Bus 326

Special Needs Driver

C. Marie Dubas has been a special needs bus driver with Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) for 17 years. Originally from Bel Air, she is a graduate of Edgewood High School. As a driver for a bus servicing Kennedy Krieger, Marie says it’s important to remember students are the product of their environment, and your smile may be the only smile they see on any given day, so take care to listen, be kind, and be patient. Marie finds being a special needs bus driver incredibly rewarding because she gets to be a part of an amazing team at HCPS and she’s able to be a positive role model for the children she transports each day. She considers her job to be her greatest blessing. She loves to watch her students grow, learn, and become young adults. She considers the students on her bus to be her own children, and she loves to build and cultivate relationships with the students and their families. A parent of one of her students noted Marie genuinely cares about the kids she supports everyday, while another said they knew their child was safe and taken care of everyday because of Marie.

Marie has been married for 25 years and has two daughters and three grandchildren.


Carrie Maines, Bus 701

General Education Driver

Carrie Maines has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for seven years. Originally from Jarrettsville, she graduated from Harford Technical High School in 2000. Her route services students from C. Milton Wright High School, Bel Air Middle School, Forest Hill Elementary School, and Forest Lakes Elementary School. Carrie says she loves interacting with the students and building relationships with the parents and guardians. To be a successful driver she says you must have a lot of patience, learn to roll with the punches and be firm but friendly. Several students on her bus, and their parents and guardians, remarked that she is a very nice person, one student even saying she is the kindest bus driver they have ever known, and her top priority is to provide a comfortable environment for her students.

Carrie has been married for 20 years and has three children. She is also a hairdresser and loves to cook and garden.


Crystal Ryan, Bus 519

General Education Driver

Crystal Ryan has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for six years. Originally from Edgewood, she is a graduate of Joppatowne High School. Her route services students from Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School and Old Post Road Elementary School. Crystal says she loves being a small part of creating a better future, but that it’s important to be flexible with her students and to show them love and kindness. Several students, parents and guardians, and school staff members noted Crystal obviously cares for the students on her bus and that she goes above and beyond for her students. One student pointed out she occasionally attends students’ sporting events to show support.

Crystal is an avid reader and likes to crochet and take nature walks with her dog.


2023
Amanda DeVincentz
General Education Driver of the Year
Bus 560
Shelley Mays-Wyatt
Special Needs Driver of the Year
Bus 313
Jacquelyn Cassady
Special Needs Attendant of the Year
Bus 302

Ellen Berg, Bus 423

Ellen Berg is a dedicated Harford County Public Schools Bus Driver who has been making a difference in the lives of her students for many years. Originally from Fairfax, VA, she moved to Forrest Hill in 1989 and has been a resident of the area ever since.

Ellen started her career with HCPS as an attendant for 8 years before transitioning into bus driver position. She has been driving for 6 years. She takes pride in making bus rides fun and enjoyable for her students. She often uses reward stickers and prizes to add to the excitement. Ellen’s passion for her job shines through in everything she does. She has been recognized by the schools she services many times for her outstanding work with the special needs students on her bus.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys reading and attending family events. Her husband Jeff is a local Pastor, and they have been married for 49 years. Ellen also has four adult children; Tim, Josh, Lauren, and Joy; and eight amazing grandchildren. She is immensely proud of her children’s achievements and accomplishments.

For any new driver staring out in the field, Ellen recommends binge-watching the show Super Nanny, as it offers many valuable tips and tricks for working with children. With her wealth of experience and passion for her work, Ellen Berg is truly a remarkable individual who has made a positive impact on the lives of not only the students she serves, but the entire community.


Jacquelyn Cassady, Bus 302

Jackie Cassady has dedicated 37 years of her life to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the special needs children transported by Harford County Public Schools. Born and raised in Havre De Grace, Jackie began her career in 1986.

Despite the challenges and changes that have come with nearly four decades on the job, Jackie still loves what she does, and has watched countless children grow up over the years. In addition to her role as a bus attendant, Jackie is a proud mother of four children; Danielle, Jaime, Miranda, and Marty; and has been blessed with six granddaughters.

When she is not working or spending time with her family, Jackie enjoys pursuing her passion for gardening and crafting. And even though she works though the summer, she always looks forward to taking a summer trip with her friends.

Asked what advice she would give to a new driver or attendant, Jackie’s answer was simple: “Pack your patience, be kind.” It is a reflection of the care and compassion that has earned her the nickname “Bus mother” among the children and families she serves. Jackie is a beloved fixture in her community, and an inspiration.


Amanda DeVincentz, Bus 560

Amanda DeVincentz has been a bus driver for A. M. Harris Bus, Inc. and Harford County Public Schools for almost 10 years. Born and raised in the North Harford area, Amanda is a familiar face in the community and is well loved by the students she transports to and from school every day.

Amanda’s journey as a bus driver began when her neighbors suggested she apply for the job. She quickly fell in love with the roll and the daily conversations she has with her students. Her driver trainer, Mary Waddell, played a pivotal role in Amanda’s personal life as well. Mary introduced her to her son, James, who is now Amanda’s husband.

Amanda is a devoted mother to her 15-year-old son Dillon and loves spending time with him and her husband. They enjoy playing video games and challenging each other. She also has a creative side and enjoys making crafts and bringing her ideas to life. She believes that creativity is an essential part of her life, and she encourages her students to explore their creative sides as well. Last fall, Amanda decorated her bus for the “Trunk or Treat” event at Red Pump Elementary School, which was a huge success. She was even invited to participate in the Trunk or Treat event at the HCPS Building, where her bus was a hit. She already is planning her next decorating adventure and is looking forward to a memorable experience for her students.

As a seasoned bus driver, Amanda has a few words of advice for new drivers: setting boundaries with students, respecting them, and treating them with kindness and understanding. Her approach has earned her the respect and admiration of her students, parents, and colleagues.


Marianne Gallina, Bus 431

Marianne Gallina is a dedicated Bus Attendant for Harford County Public Schools. She is originally from Middletown, NJ and moved to Maryland 12 years ago. Marianne has been working as a Bus Attendant for three years, after being encouraged to accept the position by Transportation Coordinator, Tina Hockaday. She finds joy in her relationships with the children and loves the fact that every day is different.

Outside of work, Marianne will be celebrating her 28th wedding anniversary this July with her husband Jack. She has a son named John III, who is 26, and a daughter named Bridget, who is 24. She also has a black lab named Maggie May (yes, from the Rod Stewart song). Marianne loves spending time with her family at the beach, and she walks three miles a day to stay healthy.

Marianne’s recent accomplishment is losing 77 pounds. She believes it is a testament to her discipline and commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle. She is always willing to share her knowledge and experience with others and encourages new attendants to smile and be consistent for the children every day.

Marianne’s energetic personality and dedication always shines through in her work.


Shelley Mays-Wyatt, Bus 313

Shelley Mays-Wyatt is a Harford County Public School Bus Driver with a passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of the children she transports. She was born and raised in Baltimore County on a farm. She moved to Harford County 26 years ago and has been a resident ever since.

Shelley has been driving buses for 8 years, and shared she feels like she owes her driving skills to her trainer, Denise Ajello. She takes great pride in her work and is dedicated to being the best bus driver she can be.

Outside of work, Shelley is a proud mother of two children. Her son Zachary is 19 years old and her daughter Sydney is 24 years old. She also has a boxer named Elsie “Ray” who is a cherished member of the family. Her favorite place to be is outdoors with her family and the animals she loves.

Shelley draws her inspiration from her mother Joyce, who was a special need bus driver for Baltimore County. Joyce is Shelley’s biggest inspiration and her best friend. Joyce taught her the importance of patience, kindness, and empathy especially when transporting special needs children.

When asked what advice she would give to a new bus driver, Shelley reflected on a recent incident that occurred on a roadway and she emphasized the importance of “trusting your instincts to protect the children”. Safety is always her top priority, and she strives to make each ride as comfortable as possible for the students on her bus.


Cheryl Rappazzo, Bus 665

Cheryl Rappazzo is a dedicated Bus Driver for Moxley Transportation, LLC and Harford County Public Schools with over 9 years of experience. She was born and raised in the Carney area of Baltimore County. Cheryl started as a “Mommy Helper” in 1996, which paved the way for her success as a bus driver. She received her CDL license on Halloween in 2014, and she has been treating her students to a safe and supportive bus ride ever since.

Cheryl finds immense joy in watching her students grow and helping make their ride to school a fun and enjoyable experience. She often engages her students in games and activities, creating a family-like atmosphere on her bus. Her commitment to her job and her students has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and parents alike.

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her fiancé Andre, her son Michael, and her daughter in law Annie. During the summer months, Cheryl and her sister plan adventurous trips for their families. Cheryl’s love for gardening and cooking is well known amongst her friends and family. She has a special fondness for Cheese Whiz, which she believes makes everything taste better.

When asked what advice she would give to a new driver, Cheryl’s response was “give it time”. She believes that the children are worth every effort and encourages new drivers to be patient and kind as they build relationships with their students. Cheryl’s passion for her job and her love for her students is an inspiration to all who know her.

2022
Kim Pierpont Photo
Kim Pierpont
Bus Driver of the Year
Bus 663
Sharon Clements Photo
Sharon Clements
Special Needs Driver of the Year
Bus 457
Sheri Whitley Photo
Sheri Whitley
Special Needs Attendant of the Year
Bus 435

Norma Arbaugh, Bus 494

Norma Arbaugh has been a certified bus driver for a Harford County Public Schools for 22 years. Norma currently drives bus #494, and transports students to Sheppard Pratt School. In her years as a driver, Norma has earned a reputation for her soft-spoken nature, and willingness to help other drivers and attendants. She always shows empathy to her students, and has established long lasting friendships with their families, even after they no longer ride the bus. She has been married to her husband Chuck, for almost 36 years. She has two children: a daughter, Crystal, who inspired Norma to become a Special Needs driver; and her son, Steven, who is also a certified bus attendant for HCPS. Norma loves her job and believes in the teamwork required to provide safe and dependable service for all students and their families.

Norma Arbaugh Photo

Sharon Clements, Bus 457

Sharon Clements has been a certified bus driver for Harford County Public Schools for 18 years. When Sharon needed a career change in 2004, her daughter, Tina, encouraged her to pursue a job driving for HCPS. Sharon currently drives Bus #457, and services students attending Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen Middle School, and High Roads School of Harford County. Sharon demonstrates great dedication to both her students and their families. She works tirelessly and takes on additional work to meet the needs of the students. She is compassionate and calm in every situation. Her commitment to her work is evident with the students and in working with her fellow drivers and attendants. Sharon’s trademark smile, work ethic, and dedication shines through every day.

Sharon Clements Photo

Kimberly Pierpont, Bus 633

Kimberly Pierpont has been a certified bus driver for Harford County Public Schools since December of 2017. She shared that when she first became a driver, she knew this was a job she could be excited about, and she still is today. Kim currently drives bus #633 for B & T Transportations, and currently services the students of Joppatowne High School Pathways in Technology. In the past, she also drove for Youth’s Benefit Elementary School, and the parents still speak of how impactful her relationship with the students were. Kimberly has supported the HCPS student community in the past few years with Zoom story times and “Zentangle” creative activities. She brings her positive energy to her work every day and encourages new drivers to believe in the training they receive from HCPS. To many of her families, she is more than just a driver, but also a friend. Kimberly, and her husband of 33 years have three amazingly unique daughters, and two adorable rambunctious grandsons.

Kimberly Pierpont Photo

Crystal Ryan, Bus 285

Crystal Ryan has been a certified bus driver for Harford County Public Schools since 2018. She currently drives Bus #285 for C & J Bus Company, and services students for Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School, and William Paca Elementary School. Crystal is respected for her teamwork and dedication to her job. She is constantly striving to learn to communicate better with her students. She works eagerly and professionally with school administrators to help students find success using incentives and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program. She is active in the communities she provides service too. Crystal has provided donations to the Homework Club and participates in Spirit Days. She serves the students and their families with a positive and professional attitude. She shared that she doesn’t even like snow days because she misses her students. Crystal is committed to her students, past, present, and future.

Crystal Ryan Photo

Sheri Whitley, Bus 435

Sheri Whitley has been a certified bus attendant for Harford County Public Schools since October of 2007. Sheri shared that she truly found her calling assisting the children of Harford County. She currently services the students and families of the John Archer School on Bus# 435. Fellow bus staff, school administration and families describe her as one of the most genuine and caring staff members. She has mentored countless new bus attendants over the years, and she has an incredible rapport with her students and their families. Sheri believes strongly in finding a way to communicate with students who do not communicate verbally. Her patience and kindness allows her to develop a trusting relationships with families and gives parents and guardians peace of mind when their children are in her care.

Sheri Whitley Photo