John Champagne has been driving buses since the 80’s, and says he now has kids who tell him that he drove their parents to school.
ABOUT THE WINNER:John ChampagneAge: 51Years in education: Has worked for Hamilton County schools for 25 years as a school bus driver.QUOTE ABOUT THE FINALIST”He understands that the bus ride truly is an extension of the school day.”-Nolan Elementary School principal Dr. Shane Harwood.FUN FACT: He says he drove some of the grandparents of students he drives now.
John Champagne may never have thought about his last name, but the Signal Mountain school bus driver lives up to it.
He’s bright and bubbly and quick with a smile.
“I love dealing with people, especially the kids,” he said. “They’re exciting. They keep you young. I like seeing them from kindergarten all the way up.”
Champagne has been a bus driver in the Chattanooga area for more than 25 years, with much of that time spent picking up youngsters and taking them to and from school.