BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A school bus driver has returned to Berkeley County a champion of sorts. According to the Berkeley County School District, Marie Dean recently competed in South Carolina’s Bus Road-e-o and won her division.
Dean earned the first place spot in the Regular Education Driver category for the state – a title that earned her $500 and a chance to compete at a national level.
Participating in the competition was something Dean wanted to very much to check off her bucket list.
“I always wanted to do a road-e-o just to see what it’s like,” she said. “My little ones were giving me hugs and telling me I was going to be wonderful and to do a good job…my high school (and middle school) kids were giving me fistbumps and wishing me luck.”
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The competition focuses on a driver’s everyday procedures but in more restrictive spaces. Drivers were tested on their abilities to safely back up the vehicle, go through railroad crossings, drive in perfectly straight lines and more.
BCSD Director of Transportation Tyra Ramsey said she could not be prouder of Dean.
“With all the obstacles and the heat during the competition, she adapted and brought the win home to Berkeley County School District,” Ramsey said.
The state rodeo is organized by the Association for Pupil Transportation.
Dean is now preparing for the national event, which will be held in November in Frisco, Texas.
She has worked 15 non-consecutive years as a bus driver for the school district, the district said. She currently works out of BCSD’s Westview bus lot.
