Celebrating Kindness on the Bus: Wolf Creek’s Rider of the Month Marks Three-Year Milestone
Wolf Creek Public Schools recently wrapped up the third year of its successful Rider of the Month program, recognizing 398 students in the 2024/25 school year for their outstanding contributions to a positive bus environment.
Launched as a way to acknowledge students who go above and beyond on their daily bus rides, the program has now recognized a total of 1,188 students since its inception. From helping younger riders and showing leadership during safety drills to simply being on time or demonstrating improved behaviour, students from across the division have had the chance to shine thanks to the nominations submitted by bus drivers.
“This program is really about celebrating the small acts that make a big difference,” said Tammy Freerksen, Administrative Assistant with Transportation Services. “It gives our drivers a way to recognize those moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, but mean so much to the ride experience for everyone.”
The impact of the program is felt well beyond the bus.
“We hear from families all the time,” said Freerksen. “One parent told us they were nominated, and they went every day to the mailbox to see if their package had arrived. They were so excited to get something in the mail. That excitement and pride are shared by schools, too. Some display the monthly Rider of the Month names on their screens, and students light up when they see their names.”
Freerksen said the nominations can often be quite touching to read.
“They can melt your heart because of the cooperative relationship you feel between the driver and the student, and you know that the child and parent will be so proud,” she said.
“Parents have reached out to the driver and thanked them, and we have seen some great parent/driver communication that resulted from their kind words put onto the certificate.”
One driver shared, “I absolutely love your Rider of the Month program; 10 out of 10!” — a sentiment echoed by many others involved in the initiative.
The program wouldn’t be possible without the support of its generous sponsors, including the Rimbey Lions Club, Town of Ponoka, City of Lacombe, Blackfalds McDonald’s, Ponoka Subway, and Bentley/Crestomere Subway.
“Our sponsors have been incredible,” said Freerksen. “Their belief in this program and in our kids is what keeps it going. They’ve helped us recognize nearly 1,200 students in just three years, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Bus Rider Program
