Each year, member districts of the Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association (RATSA) select recipients to receive the Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year. Nominations are based on good attendance, safety, a friendly disposition, if the individual readily accepts and exceeds responsibilities and if they relate well with fellow workers, parents and students. This year, Michael “Mick” Berry, a driver for Churchville-Chili’s senior high, middle school and Chestnut Ridge Elementary has been selected as Transportation Employee of the Year for the district.
“I was so honored when I found out about the award,” said Berry. “I am relatively new to the district so this was really a surprise.” Earlier this year, Berry received the district’s Saint’s Spotlight recognition after being nominated by a parent for his friendly disposition and ability to put students at ease. Renee Hensel, CCCSD Director of Transportation, stated Berry is an asset to the district, and she has personally received several e-mails and phone calls from parents who appreciate “Mr. Mick” as their child’s driver.
One parent said, “My daughter is in kindergarten at CRS and rides bus 450 with Mr. Mick. I wanted to let you know how fantastic he is. He makes riding the bus fun, is caring and has made my daughter feel very comfortable in her first of school year riding the bus. He has reached out to me when she has been upset and has made her feel better. Mick truly deserves to be recognized. We hope he remains our bus driver for many years.”
Another parent commented, “Mr. Mick is an awesome bus driver. He continuously makes the kids smile during pickup and drop-off. During the holiday season, he made the bus festive and really made the season special. Mr. Mick has a great sense of humor and not only cares about our kids but also shows an appreciation for the dogs at the bus stop, too.”
While Berry was nominated by fellow co-workers for this award, his families and students continue to praise his efforts. “Mr. Mick” will be formally honored at a luncheon with other Monroe County schools in June.
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