“We’ve lived in this community for four years and we love it here. It’s nice being involved!”

Every morning before the sun fully rises, Alyssa Coakley gets ready to start her St. Anthony-New Brighton school bus route.

Her top priorities: greeting students with a warm smile and ensuring they arrive at school safely. As we celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Feb. 19, it’s the perfect time to recognize the patience, and hard work of those who safely transport our students and help keep our schools running before the first bell rings.

It’s Alyssa’s first year driving students of all grade levels at SANB. School bus drivers like Alyssa do so much more than just transport our students, they create a welcoming environment before the school day even begins. One kiddo excitedly told Alyssa they really hope she’s their bus driver next year!

“With my daughters at Wilshire Park and the preschool, I know a lot of the kids I pick up and their parents.” Alyssa explains that building a rapport and a positive relationship with the kids is important to make sure everyone on the bus remains safe and ready for the school day. 

“I know all of my riders’ names and I make sure to have little conversations with them. They’ll tell me about their school day or what they’re up to for the weekend. That’s one of the best parts about being a bus driver.”

This School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to Alyssa Coakley and ALL the dedicated SANB drivers who show up, rain or shine, to keep our students safe. So next time you see your student’s bus driver behind the wheel, don’t forget to wave or say thanks, it’s a small gesture for someone who does so much.