Award Gives Ailing Bus Driver a Lift

After driving a school bus more than 300,000 miles without an accident, a Huntington Beach woman named county Bus Driver of the Year had one--in her driveway, of all places, although it wasn’t behind the wheel.

Jean Hetherington broke her left wrist a month ago while shoveling snow from the driveway leading up to her Big Bear cabin.

Her doctor removed the cast Monday, but Hetherington said her driving status is still on hold. Her wrist aches, but she said that doesn’t compare to how much it hurts to be away from her job with the Ocean View School District.

“I really miss the people I work with, the kids and the parents,” Hetherington said. “My doctor won’t release me [to drive] and I really do not want to until I feel comfortable with it. I don’t want the responsibility with the kids.”

For her dedication to her passengers, and her spotless driving record, the California Highway Patrol on Tuesday presented Hetherington, 53, with a plaque naming her Southern Border District Bus Driver of the Year. This places Hetherington, who already won county Bus Driver of the Year, in the running for the statewide honor.

“She was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition,” said Bob Swanberg, assistant chief of the CHP’s Border Division. “With her outstanding driving record and dedication she was an easy choice.”

Everyone who knows Hetherington says her dedication to her job is remarkable. Not only does she remember the name of each student on her bus route, she also knows their birthdays. For the last half of her 30 years with the district, she has been driving a specially equipped bus for students who use wheelchairs.

“Jeannie consistently has a high degree of professionalism,” said LeAnn Lumsdon, Ocean View’s director of transportation. “She always goes the extra mile, she has a great attitude, an excellent rapport with the parents and is very caring with the kids.”

More than 40 colleagues and police officials gathered at the district’s transportation office in Huntington Beach for the award ceremony Tuesday, giving her a standing ovation.

“Role models come in all different shapes and sizes,” Supt. James R. Tarwater said. “Jean has shown us that by picking up kids and letting them off in front of their homes each day for the last 30 years.”

Hetherington, who has a voice only slightly louder than a whisper, spoke at the ceremony with tears in her eyes. The audience turned quiet as many reached for tissues themselves.

“This job means everything to me,” Hetherington said. “I am always proud to tell people where I work and what I do. I have the best job there is.”