By Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE
Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same question: how did we get here so quickly?
One minute we are preparing for the first day of school, and the next we are already planning summer programs, staffing adjustments, budgets, training, and the start of another school year. In student transportation, there really is no “slow season” anymore.
Because of the intensity of district operations, we tend to put our heads down and just keep working. A moment to celebrate another successful year never takes place so allow me to say congratulations on the success each of you have experienced this year! Wow, what an amazing job you did handling it all – day in and day out! You have transported kids’ safety and done an exceptional job of meeting the expectations of your district, your students, and your team!
One of the things I worry about in our industry is that we move from one challenge directly into the next without ever pausing long enough to recognize what was accomplished along the way.
And this work is worth recognizing.
To not add to your plate, I’ve curated some ideas you can use to celebrate success!
- Share your safety records and your stats. How many children did you transport, how many routes, how many drivers and team members, how many extracurricular events? Do an annual recap of your success! Share it with your employees, district leadership (administration and school board), and the PTA/PTO who often handle their own social media accounts. Most importantly – asking for this information is shared publicly through newsletters or social media campaigns through your district’s communications team.
2. Celebrate your staff! Think of how your plan for birthdays and retirements – go from there. Celebrate those staying on the bus and the everyday victories; take the things that often go unnoticed and make them noticeable!
3. Finally, celebrate yourself! You are part of the team that safely delivered students to and from school every day. What makes you happy? At peace? Safe? Think about it, write it down, and do that. Do not focus on areas of growth, no year is perfect, but focus on the positive impact you have made.
Take time to celebrate your contribution. Your leadership and hard work helped to make this a great year! Never a perfect year- but another positive year.
The pride I feel for our industry is beyond measurable. The hard work I see from school transportation professionals motivates and inspires me daily. I admire and appreciate the humble and kind nature of every single NAPT member.
A couple of years ago at the NAPT ACTS in Oklahoma City, we had a wonderful keynote speaker who shared a similar message. He said, “Celebrate Everything!” I hope you take his and my advice to heart! Just remember, you can be humble and kind, as well as a dynamic representative of the work you do.
Allow me to show you…
2025-2026 has been a good year for NAPT! We’ve seen growth, new partnerships, expanded education opportunities, stronger advocacy conversations, and meaningful engagement across the industry. From ACTS and Leadership Academies to Driven Together, Love the Bus, and our evolving Professional Development Series, this year reminded us what’s possible when passionate people continue moving the industry forward.
Never underestimate the power of positive communication, appreciation, and recognition.
People remember when they feel valued. They remember when someone notices the effort behind the work.
And in student transportation, there is so much worth recognizing.
What you do matters.
You matter.