Tinora is proud to celebrate Dori Robertson, a longtime Tinora bus driver, for being named a recipient of the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center’s Circle of Excellence Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to students and their school communities.
For Dori, the recognition came as a complete surprise.
During the award presentation, Dori was sitting beside Tinora transportation mechanic Corey Maasell when she noticed he was recording the ceremony. She asked why he was recording and even wondered if Transportation Supervisor Angie Bussing was receiving an award. When Dori's own name was announced, she was completely caught off guard.
“I couldn’t believe it!” Dori said. “I remember saying, ‘What?!’ several times because I couldn’t believe it. I’m usually not easy to surprise, but they definitely got me on this one!”
While Dori was surprised by the recognition, those who work with her and know her impact on students were not.
“Dori is an exceptional school bus driver who goes above and beyond for the students she transports each day,” Angie said in her nomination. “She greets every child with a warm smile, making them feel safe, valued, and welcomed from the moment they step onto the bus.”
For Dori, building those relationships is one of the most important parts of her job. She makes it a goal to know at least two things about every student who rides her bus, whether it is their favorite sport, what they did over the weekend, what they are involved in at school, or simply something they enjoy.
“You have to know your kids!” Dori said. “When kids know you care, they care. And when they know you are there for them, the bus becomes more than just a ride to and from school.”
That commitment to relationships has made a meaningful difference for students. Angie shared the story of one student who came to Dori’s route struggling with behavior issues and rarely spoke to anyone. Rather than giving up, Dori continued to talk with and encourage the student.
Over time, the student began to trust Dori and eventually asked to sit in the front of the bus so they could stay out of trouble and talk with her. As the student's confidence grew, they became more helpful and engaged, even taking the lead in planning the bus decorating contest.
Dori has experienced similar moments with other students.
“One of those students eventually got to the point where I was the only person they would talk to,” Dori said. “That meant a lot to me because it showed me that sometimes you just have to keep showing up.”
Dori believes that consistency, patience, and genuine care can make a lasting difference in a child's life.
“I want every student who gets on my bus to feel safe, welcomed, and respected,” she said. “I want them to know that when they’re on my bus, they can be themselves and that they can always come to me if they ever need anything.”
Dori's impact extends beyond the students who ride her bus. She is also a leader and strong supporter of her fellow transportation staff, helping drivers navigate challenges, offering encouragement, and advocating for what is best for both students and staff.
“What I enjoy most about being part of the Tinora transportation team is knowing that I can be someone others can look up to and count on,” Dori said. “If I can help one person, then I’ve made a difference.”
Superintendent Nicole Wells said Dori's dedication and leadership make her an invaluable part of the Tinora community.
“What stands out most about Dori is her genuine care for our students and her commitment to Tinora,” Wells said. “As a veteran bus driver, she has built strong relationships with students and has always made their safety and well-being a priority. Beyond her role as a bus driver, Dori has taken on numerous leadership roles throughout the district and consistently steps up wherever she is needed. She is someone who leads by example, supports her colleagues, and truly believes in making Tinora a better place for our students and school community.”
Dori is grateful for the recognition, but she sees the award as something bigger than herself. She hopes it draws attention to the important work done every day by school bus drivers across the state.
“Bus drivers sometimes get a bad rap, but the truth is, most people couldn’t do this job,” Dori said. “There is so much more to being a school bus driver than simply driving a bus.”
She proudly accepts the Circle of Excellence Award on behalf of the many dedicated drivers who show up every day, care for students, and keep schools and communities moving.
For Dori, being a Tinora bus driver has never been simply about driving a route. It is about the people she serves, the relationships she builds, and the difference she can make along the way.
“Being a Tinora bus driver means more than driving a bus. It means being responsible for the safety, well-being, and lives of our students, being there for them when they need an adult who cares, and supporting the drivers I work alongside. Because if I can make a difference for even one person, then I’ve done my job.”
Congratulations, Dori, on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to have you as part of the Tinora family.
