Spring Valley, New York – Jean Piard, a 14-year school bus driver with Rockland County’s Chestnut Ridge Transportation, has received the prestigious “Heart of the Industry” award, presented annually by the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA).
John Corr, President of The Trans Group, the parent company of Chestnut Ridge Transportation, explained, “Each year, the award is given to a school bus driver who has served the industry with quality service, dedication,and distinction. Jean Piard continually goes above and beyond what is expected to help his student passengers feel that someone truly cares about them. Everyone at Chestnut Ridge Transportation joins me in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.”
According to Corr, Piard was inspired to become a school bus driver back when he was putting his own children on the bus each day and noticed that the driver never failed to greet the children with a smile in the morning and when saying goodbye in the afternoon. Shortly thereafter, Piard went to driving school and obtained his commercial driver’s license. He prides himself on keeping a clean and tidy bus at all times, remaining mindful of the safety of his students, and continuing the tradition of making each passenger feel special and welcome.
“Jean is not only an inspiration in our industry,” concludes Corr, “but also in his community and to his Haitian heritage.” As part of the award, NYSBCA will make a donation to a charity designated by Piard. He has chosen Church o fGod, House of Refuge, in his hometown of Pétion-ville,Haiti. Piard visits his hometown every year and sees firsthand the need that exists for continued support.
The Trans Group employs over 1,700 individuals and operates over 1,200 school and public transit buses in lower New York State and LongIsland. The company is actively involved in the school bus industry on a state and national level. For more information,please visit www.thetransgroup.com.