Driving the School Bus with
Lucy Cooney

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

Lucy Cooney first joined the Shelburne Community School in 1998 as a paraeducator, providing support for kids and teachers in the classroom. But when there was a bus driver shortage a year later, Lucy raised her hand and volunteered. She took the test and got her bus license.

Nearly 30 years later, Lucy is still there for her students – in the classroom and on the road.

When COVID hit, Lucy knew her students were struggling with the isolation – unable to see their friends or go in to school. So, what did she do? She covered her own car with yellow contact paper, to make it look like her school bus, and drove her routes to wave and cheer up her students.

During the school year, she wakes up between 5:30 and 6:00am. By 6:30am she has checked out her bus and warmed it up for the kids. Then she heads out on her morning routes to deliver her students safely to their school day. After that you might think she would go home, right? Not Lucy! After seeing her students off, she heads into the classroom herself for a full day as a paraeducator. When the final bell rings and school lets out, she does it all over again.

If you speak with Lucy for even just two minutes, you will see that all of this is not just about ferrying her students safely to and from school. It’s not just about helping them learn in their classes. It’s about getting to know them and providing a safe and fulfilling community for them to grow up in.

This back-to-school season, I want to thank everyone who helps to create a community where our young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

And to Lucy: Thank you for being there for your kids and for your lifetime of service.

Sincerely,