Judy Westmoreland, a first-grade teacher’s assistant at Springmore Elementary School, has been selected as the Cleveland County Schools’ DKB School Bus Driver of the Month for October.

Mrs. Westmoreland is the second of six drivers of the month to be selected during the school year. A CCS Donald K. Byrnes School Bus Driver of the Year will be named in May from the monthly winners.

Mrs. Westmoreland, a driver for more than three years, said she enjoys the opportunity not only to transport children but to get to know and work with them.

“I feel the bus is an extension of the classroom,” she said. “Occasionally you help children with the traditional classroom learning, but mostly you help them learn and grow in the areas of social skills, positive behavior and interpersonal relationships.”

Mrs. Westmoreland’s son, Trey, is a junior at Shelby High School. She is a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church and the Junior Charity League of Shelby.  Her hobbies include scrap-booking and scuba diving.

CCS Transportation Director W.D. Smith implemented the DKB Bus Driver-of-the-Year program to recognize drivers for their dedication, compassion and skill of operation. The competition is named in honor of retired CCS School Transportation Director Don Byrnes.

The competitors for driver-of-the-month recognition are determined by bus administrators at schools within each high school district. Mrs. Westmoreland, representing the Crest district, competed with LeAnn Smith a driver for Casar Elementary, representing the Burns district; Anissa Moore, a driver for West Elementary, representing the Kings Mountain district; and Kathy Senesi, a driver for Marion Intermediate representing the Shelby district. The nominees took a road test and were interviewed by a panel of school and community representatives.

All monthly competitors receive a shirt recognizing their nomination courtesy of Coca Cola.  DKB drivers of the month and year will receive savings bonds at the annual school bus driver banquet. Sponsors of the competition are First National Bank and Royster Oil Company.