Ward Vanderberg spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and four decades working at what was once known as the Upjohn Company.
But, driving students to and from school every day for the past 18 years is the most rewarding job he's ever had.
Vanderberg is one of the dozens of PPS bus drivers responsible for safely transporting some 5,500 students to and from school at Portage Public Schools.
After retiring from Upjohn with 40 years under his belt, Ward is now in his 18th year as a school bus driver in Portage, a job he called the "most rewarding."
Seeing students every day is his favorite part of the job, Ward said. Whether or not he's greeted with a smile, year after year Ward is sitting in the driver seat excited to see his students.
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, is National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! We have many smiling faces to appreciate across the District.
THANK YOU to the PPS Transportation Team!
If you or someone you know would like to become a bus driver at PPS, please visit https://www.portageps.org/page... to learn more.