Monongalia County Schools honors bus operator Jeff Lowe as first 'Mountain Motivator' for 20 years of service

Monongalia County Schools on Friday recognized Jeff Lowe, a bus operator with 20 years’ service, as the district’s first Mountain Motivator award recipient, praising his daily role in student safety and mentorship.

The recognition highlights how school bus drivers serve as many students’ first and last contact with the school system each day. A board of education representative introduced Lowe and noted his “service and dedication to Monongalia County Schools.”

Lowe said interacting with students is the best part of his day. “I’m the first person they see,” he said, describing how he greets riders each morning and again at dismissal. He told the interviewer he aims to reinforce positive behavior through consistent rules: “no eating, no drinking, no gum,” stay in your seats and follow expectations.

The interview also touched on workforce and retention. Lowe said he moved into school transportation after eight years in construction and starting a family; a neighbor steered him to the district’s transportation hiring process. He advised prospective drivers to have patience and stressed the importance of mentoring new operators by modeling routines.

Lowe described pride in vehicle care and personal presentation. “I take pride in putting my uniform on,” he said. “I treat [the bus] as it’s mine,” adding that he keeps vehicles clean and brings buses in for needed mechanical work.

As a closing appeal, Lowe urged motorists to respect school buses. “Stop for red lights,” he said, asking drivers to stop for flashing bus lights and to take a moment out of caution for children boarding and leaving buses.

The board congratulated Lowe and thanked him for two decades of service. No formal actions or votes were associated with the recognition; the segment was a ceremonial acknowledgment of an employee award.