GCPS names 2025 School Bus Monitor and Managers of the Year

     Each year Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) honors those who make it their mission to safely transport students to and from school. Holly McDowell has been named GCPS’ 2024 - 2025 Special Education Bus Manager of the Year and Richard Marriner has been named GCPS’ 2024 - 2025 Regular Education Bus Manager of the Year. In Addition, Dominique Bastian has been named GCPS’ 2024 -2025 Bus Monitor of the Year and Adam Bennett GCPS’ 2024 - 2025 Fleet Technician of the Year. The honors were announced at the district’s 27th annual Bus Manager and Monitor of the Year award banquet. GCPS honored 49 transportation professionals this year for their work, commitment, and service.

     “Our bus drivers are more than just transportation providers; they are the first smiling faces our students see each morning and the last reassuring presence they encounter at the end of the school day,” says Transportation Support Manager, Carla Hart. “Their dedication and genuine care create a safe and supportive environment, extending the classroom beyond its walls. For our team, it's an immeasurable source of pride and gratitude to witness such commitment to the well-being of our students. They are truly the unsung heroes of our school community.”

     To be chosen for this honor, nominees must exemplify characteristics and values of leadership, dedication, and excellence. This begins with colleagues seeing these qualities personified in individuals from each transportation zone. After nominations, nominees must present their skills through testing for managers and through demonstration for monitors. Lastly, a dedicated committee of professionals and community leaders carefully review the qualifications for each of the 11 finalists, ultimately selecting three winners.

Holly McDowell

2024-2025 Special Education School Bus Manager of the Year

Holly McDowell is a dedicated bus manager who embraced serving her community from the beginning of her career. McDowell has built a legacy of love for her students and has been an asset in the lives of the Brookwood and Grayson clusters for 29 years. “I drive because I love the students, I love their stories and I love being a part of helping them become better people,” McDowell explains. “I could not imagine doing a more rewarding job and consider being a GCPS Bus Driver the best job I could have imagined.”

Richard Marriner

2024-2025 Regular Education School Bus Manager of the Year

Richard Marriner is no stranger to helping others, before coming to GCPS, he spent two decades of service in the New Jersey fire services. Looking for a change, he decided to join Team GCPS as a bus driver, in which he has now spent 12 years serving the Mill Creek cluster. “After 20 years in fire services, driving a bus adds some adventure; it’s a different kind of service, but just as rewarding,” Marriner shares. “It's about providing a safe and reliable journey, and knowing you’re contributing to their education, it’s a great feeling.”

Dominique Bastian

2024-2025 Special Education Bus Monitor of the Year      

Dominique Bastian didn’t know what to expect entering the role of a bus monitor, but after embracing the role, she found an unexpected passion for supporting students with special needs. Bastian has spent seven years serving the Brookwood and Grayson clusters and has enjoyed it. “Creating a safe and nurturing environment for these students is incredibly rewarding,” Dominique shares. “It’s the little victories that truly make my work meaningful – seeing a student overcome a fear, celebrating a milestone, those are the moments that stay with you,” Bastian says.

Adam Bennett

2024 - 2025 Fleet Technician of the Year