RPC Bus Driver Honored as an Early Childhood Champion

Outstanding professionalism. Hard working. Always willing to go the extra mile. An excellent communicator. Ethics. Just some of the words used to describe the RPC’s Renelta Lawrence, recently honored by WILL Education as one of their Early Childhood Champions for 2023. The RPC bus driver was one of four early childhood educators and volunteers from central Illinois recognized at the annual Early Childhood Champions reception in May.

“Renelta demonstrates leadership in our program in multiple ways,” says Brian Meuser, the RPC’s Transportation/Facilities Manager who nominated her for the award. “She is easily our most dedicated bus driver. She has a high regard for the health and safety of our students—and shows it daily with her attention to detail. She also maintains the cleanest bus of our fleet, has the highest of sanitation standards for her children and bus monitor, and is most helpful when it comes to feedback on health and safety policy and procedures.”

In addition to the award, the Brothers of Lone Star Lodge #18, PHA F&AM, provided each of the recipients with a monetary gift. The reception also featured a performance by the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Step & Dance Team.

“Our program considers the bus as an extension of the classroom. Even though Renelta is not a ‘traditional’ teacher, she does have an educational role with her students,” Brian explains. “She is consistent with teaching and training bus safety rules to the children in her care. She teaches her students to be respectful and pay attention to adult authority. When I monitor her bus, I immediately notice a difference in her kids. They are very well behaved and know how to follow the safety rules. She takes her teaching, bus safety, and work ethic very seriously and it shows day in and day out.”

Now in its fourth year, the Early Childhood Champions event recognizes early childhood professionals in central Illinois with the goal of raising public awareness of the critical work they do.

“I couldn’t ask for a better bus driver to have on my staff and I am proud of all that Renelta has accomplished professionally and personally,” Brian concludes. “She continues to grow and shine a much-needed light to those around her.”

Congratulations to Renelta and all the winners for their dedication and support of the youngest members of our community!