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Travis Keltner is KAPT 2016 School Bus Driver of the Year award Kentucky Association for Pupil Transportion names Campbellsville Independent School has been more than a committed employee - he finds ways to help students beyond getting them to school safely. He asked for the job to supplement his income as a young preacher, but has continued for for all these years. years. His story, touchingly told by Calen McKinney, is an extraordinary one about an 81 year old South Central Kentuckian who is making a very positive difference in people's lives. It's a warm tribute to all school bus drivers who are so dedicated to their special calling. Click on headline for complete story Calen McKinney For nearly five decades, Travis Keltner has driven children to and from school. He has not only made sure students safely get to and from school, however, but also that they have coats to wear and bicycles to ride - and are entertained on their ride. And it's the opportunity to help Campbellsville Independent School's students that keeps him coming to work, he says. To honor him for his commitment, service and dedication, Keltner has received this year's School Bus Driver of the Year award. The Kentucky Association for Pupil Transportation honors many school transportation personnel each year at its annual conference. Keltner recognized at the annual KAPT awards banquet Keltner's award was presented at the annual KAPT awards banquet on Tuesday, June 21. Barbara Jackson, a bus driver for Hickman County Schools, also received a School Bus Driver of the Year award. First ever from CIS to receive the high honor Keltner is the first Campbellsville Independent Schools bus driver to receive the School Bus Driver of the Year honor. Donna Gaddis, who retired from Campbellsville Independent Schools in August 2015 as transportation director, nominated Keltner for the award. At the banquet, Gaddis said Keltner never wants any recognition for his work, but, when telling him she was nominating him the award, she said, "Just consider that you're accepting this on behalf of so many dedicated people across the state who do this every day because, somehow, in the back part of your mind, it's like a calling. "I just appreciate the time to honor not only Travis, but all the drivers." In addition to a plaque, Keltner received a $500 check with the award. "You know, people ask me, 'Why do you keep doing this?'" he said. "I'm 81 years old. I'm going to tell you what I keep doing this." Keltner thanked Gaddis for nominating him for the award. "She put up with me for almost 20 years," he said, with a laugh, "and still recommended me." Began driving when he was a young preacher who needed money Keltner said he began driving a bus when he was a young preacher who needed money. When a bus driver who drove the route near his home died, Keltner asked the school superintendent if he could take over to make some extra money. And he has driven a school bus ever since. "Here's why I drive a school bus," he said. A story illustrates why he keeps driving a school bus "I drove up to a little trailer a few years ago and it was about 20 degrees. The wind was blowing cold. And a little girl came out with a summer dress on and got on the bus. "I said, 'Honey, where's your coat?' She said, 'I don't have a coat.' "And I took her to school and I went up to one of our department stores and bought her the best coat I could find for her and took it to her teacher and said, 'Don't tell her.' "But I enjoyed the rest of that year watching that little girl stay warm when she come out." The little boy who didn't have a bicycle Keltner said there was a little boy on his bus once who didn't have a bicycle. Every other student had one, Keltner said, so he bought the boy a bicycle. One day, Keltner said, he was singing when the little boy came to him and asked if he was a preacher. Yeah, I'm a Christian "And I said, 'Yeah.' He said, 'Well, I'm a Christian.' I said, 'Well, Louis, that's good. I am proud that you're a Christian." Three days later, Keltner said, there was some commotion on the bus and he heard foul language he had never heard before. He stopped the bus to see what was wrong. "I said, 'Louis, come up here. What in the world's the matter with you?" Keltner said. "I thought you told me you was a Christian. He said, 'I is, but I'm mad right now.'" About two years ago, Keltner said, students got on his bus and they were all out of sort, not getting along and causing a commotion. "It was just about Christmas and I started singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And they got real quiet. Everything just got quiet." One of the boys on the bus, Keltner said, has called him "Bus" throughout the years. 'Sing it again, Bus, Sing it again.' "Whenever I finished that song, it was just a quiet, all you could hear was that bus running. And then out of that quiet moment came Robert's voice, saying "Sing it again, Bus. Sing it again.' "That's why I drive a school bus." Campbellsville Independent Schools Superintendent Mike Deaton said Keltner has impacted countless students over the years. "I couldn't imagine there being a more deserving recipient of this award than Travis Keltner. Through his many years of service, his personality and compassion for others has positively impacted the lives of so many students and adults in our system," Deaton said. "We are indeed fortunate to have a man of his faith and character greeting our students first thing in the morning and at the end of each school day." David Petett: Keltner one of the finest men he's ever worked alongside David Petett, director of district programs and transportation at Campbellsville Independent Schools, says Keltner is one of the finest men he has ever worked alongside. "He absolutely cares for the students he transports and puts their needs at the top of his priority list," Petett said. "The example Travis sets in our transportation department leads others to strive to be great drivers and quality people. He is truly a servant leader who is so deserving of this award." According to Keltner's nomination form, he understands the importance of mutual respect when working with others. "From his personal appearance, language, attitude and behavior, Travis models the level of behaviors he expects from his students," Gaddis wrote. "He is such a professional in verbal communication and eye contact. He maintains a level and solid tone and is very clear in his instruction and even more clear in his praises of students." Gaddis wrote that Keltner connects with parents to make sure all students' needs are met. "Travis is so well-liked and is such a part of our school district and community, and he has been asked to pray and speak at District-wide events." Gaddis wrote that Keltner has a compassionate heart, and is giving of his time and money to help his students. He makes sure his bus is clean and meets safety standards Keltner's bus is always clean, Gaddis wrote, and he communicates with District mechanics about any safety or operational concerns. "Travis understands the trust cost of purchase and maintenance of all equipment, and the reflection on the District by the way he takes care of items in his care. "It is an honor to know and work with Travis. They don't make many like him anymore." Gaddis wrote that Keltner has, on many occasions, told her he loves what he does. Delight to work alongside someone who loves their work and will tell you so "It is delightful to work with someone who loves their work and will tell you so. It is a blessing to see someone who loves life and who understands that every minute and every mile with a child is important. "Travis not only drives ... he truly moves others to be their better selves." Keltner is a Methodist minister and has worked at seven school districts in Kentucky. He began driving a school bus in 1968 and has driven for Campbellsville Independent Schools, Bowling Green Independent and LaRue, Christian, Caldwell and Taylor counties. Keltner has driven for Campbellsville Independent Schools for nearly 20 years. Travis Keltner's family He is married to Patsy Keltner. They have a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Gail Keltner; a grandson and his wife, Brian and Lora Keltner; and two great-grandsons, Austin Keltner and Cody Keltner. The Kentucky Association for Pupil Transportation was established in 1978. The purpose of the organization is to provide leadership, help and motivation to those working in Kentucky school transportation, with the goal of providing safe, efficient, economical and high-quality transportation for children on trips to and from school and to school-related activities. Calen McKinney, the writer, is Public Information Officer for Campbellsville Independent Schools (CIS) This story was posted on 2016-06-23 04:13:48
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