School bus driver honored for service

Everyone who works with her thinks she is a great person who is dedicated to her job as a School District 833 bus driver.

When John Holzinger, school safety chair for Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752, asked which driver deserves to be honored for his or her service, transportation officials unanimously said “Cathy Miller.”

A district bus driver for 31 years, Miller, who drives students with special needs, walked into the lunchroom at the district’s transportation center on Point Douglas Road in Cottage Grove June 5, as if it were just another day.

She was surprised to see all her co-workers waiting for her along with her husband, Bob, and grandchildren, Mia and Jacob Miller.

She was even more surprised when Holzinger presented her with her award and a $100 check.

The award notes that Miller “takes a personal interest in the well-being” of children she drives and has knitted them mittens and scarves.

The other drivers in the lunchroom agreed that an award for Miller’s outstanding service is well-deserved.

“She’s awesome and does fantastic things with those kids,” said driver Debbie Niemala. “She has a heart of gold and keeps the kids amused.”

“There isn’t anything she doesn’t volunteer for,” said Kitty Ruff, also a driver.

When asked how she manages the children she drives, Miller said she comforts some children and ignores the behavior of others to prevent giving them attention for negative actions.

“I just treat them all with love,” Miller said.

Tags: education, 833, school, bus, driver, miller, award, service