Rodney Cummings, a bus driver for Hamilton Heights High School, has been named the Husky Hero for the month of August.
Cummings, who has been driving for Heights for more than two decades, is not just a beloved bus driver, he is a fan favorite among the students who ride his bus as well as their families. He is also a friend, mentor, and treasured resource for colleagues and the department, sharing his time, knowledge, and experience. For him, being a bus driver is more than a job, it’s an adventure. He loves his work, and it shows.
“This was a totally an unexpected and a very nice surprise,” Cummings said upon receiving the award. “It is a great honor just to know people recognize the things you do. It’s the kids – you can always learn something from them. Twenty years of driving, there’s never a dull moment. And as a bus trainer, knowing that you’re going to help somebody accomplish their goal of being a bus driver – it’s very rewarding.”
Cummings has been a proud Husky employee since 2005.
“Rodney has many hats here at HHSC,” Heights Transportation Director Jaymie Wickstrom said. “First, he drives a bus on a daily route where he has made long standing relationships with his families. Most recently he invited his entire bus to join him at the high school football game for a cookout. Rodney helps provide transportation to many events for athletics. He’s well known with the teams, coaches, parents, and staff. When Rodney isn’t driving the bus, he’s training our newest staff ‘to become a bus driver.’ Rodney dedicates more than 25 hours per driver of training to ensure we have the best on the road. Next up, Rodney will put on his mechanic hat. In recent years, Rodney has joined our mechanics to help prepare for our annual bus inspection. He brings a different perspective and fresh set of eyes to the needs of our fleet. As Rodney’s direct supervisor he is always a helpful hand with any need for the HUSKY FAMILY.”
Parent Sara Smith also wrote in to compliment Cummings.
“We appreciate Mr. Rodney for his daily concern and attention to our kids on his bus,” she said. “He is superb and goes above and beyond daily to have fun with the kids and get them to and from school safe. He is great in so many ways.”
Cummings added, “This award truly makes you feel like you’ve accomplished things in your life. Just knowing that people around you are watching and appreciate the things you do makes you want to do better. It was truly an honor – thank you!”
Do you know a Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (FC Tucker). #hhedfoundation