Penny (Welch) Elmer is more than just your average school
bus driver, she’s a surrogate mother and guardian angel
all rolled into one.
‘She’s just a treasure of a person,? said Joanne
Ardelean, secretary at Leonard Elementary. ‘She takes
care of the kids like they’re her own.?
Friday, Jan. 14 was Elmer’s last day on the job after
driving Oxford school buses for nine years of her
13-year career.
She and her new husband, Joe, who were married
in October 2004, are moving to Indiana.
Leonard Elementary students and staff gave Elmer
a heartfelt and touching send-off Friday by affectionately
showering her with cards, gifts, hugs and even a
crown.
What makes Elmer stand out is, ‘She goes that extra
mile for the kids,? according to Linda Noaker, who works
tech support at Leonard Elementary.
‘She always puts the kids first. She constantly
watches out for them,? said Noaker, adding that Elmer
pays close attention the kids? busy lives and schedules,
reminding them of little things like scout meetings.
‘She’s very caring.?
‘If she was my child’s bus driver, I would be very
comfortable,? said Leonard Elementary Principal Sue
Hannant, noting that Elmer always kept an ‘avenue of
communication open? between herself and parents.
‘She always makes sure that everything’s okay for
the kids at both pickup and delivery. She makes sure a
parent is there,? Hannant said.
When asked what she will miss most about her bus
driving days in Oxford, Elmer replied, ‘My kids, watching
them grow up and change everyday.?
‘I don’t have any kids (now), but I hope (someday)
my kids grow up just like these guys because they’re
wonderful,? she said.
‘Leonard kids and Oxford kids I love all of you,?
Elmer said with tears in her eyes. ‘You guys made all
the difference in my life.?
‘I have enjoyed every minute of it.?