LPS ‘loves the bus,’ drivers

Lawton Public Schools bus drivers could feel the love on Feb. 25.

In honor of National Love the Bus Month, Transportation Director Jay Hunt arranged for the Lawton High School drumline and the MacArthur High School cheer squad to be on hand to send the bus drivers off on their afternoon routes. The drumline kept the beat up and the cheer squad kept the cheers coming as the buses exited the Transportation Center. Some drivers waved and others honked their horns as they passed between the lines of students.

Hunt said the event was to celebrate the work bus drivers do everyday.

“We wanted to take this month to make sure our drivers know they are appreciated,” Hunt said of the event, which was a surprise for the drivers.

Hunt said he invited LHS and MHS as a way to get the schools involved.

“Both said they would love to come,” he said.

Kathy Sauders, MHS cheer squad coach, said it was a family affair. A couple of the students have relatives who are bus drivers.

“This was not only our LPS family, but our families as well,” Sauders said.

Savannah Baughman, captain of the cheer team, said she was excited to participate and to support the bus drivers.

“I had a lot of fun; I was glad to do it,” she said. Baughman said the team changed up some of the cheers just for the occasion.

“We incorporated ‘Who are we? Transportation’ and ‘Ya’ll know we are the best. LPS’,” she said.

Paul Martin, LHS assistant band director, said the drumline played cadences that were a little more difficult and more exciting to play.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Martin said. “We just want to support our bus drivers who get our kids to school each day. I think the kids are happy to be here.”

Martin said he was glad to collaborate with MHS.

“It’s all for our district and we have someone else to cheer them on with us,” Martin said.

Hunt said an appreciation luncheon for the bus drivers was scheduled for later, as was an appearance from the Eisenhower Unified Cheer Team.