Proud Moment

LITTLEFIELD - They've done it again. Ayden-Grifton High School has another moment to be proud of. Student Management Coordinator Chrisopher Howell, Sr. was named the Bus Driver of the Year for last school year, something he said was a big surprise. "I wasn't expecting it," Howell said. Howell, who has been driving a bus at A-G since 2000, said the secrets to being a good driver are safety and respect, two things Howell takes seriously. "It's stressfull," Howell said. "It's challenging, but if you earn the respect of the kids, they respect you. I try to earn their respect." According to Howell, he always tries to deal with problems on the spot, whether it's in the classroom or on the road. And as the Student Management Coordinator, there are a lot of kids who come in angry or upset and Howell has to talk with them and help them get through whatever issues they are dealing with. The same sometimes applies on the road, a situation Howell prefers to deal with immediately. "I talk to them and I think talking to them makes a difference. Talking to children helps. Being a pastor doesn't hurt either, Howell said. "You just have to have a knack for kids. That helps out a whole lot." Howell is a pastor in Wilson. He resides in Kinston. Howell, who has two boys, says he tries to always be a friend, but also a leader to his passengers. But safety is Howell's number one rule, one of the many reasons Howell was nominated and awarded the Pitt County Bus Driver of the Year Award. Howell's teaching experience as well as his experience as a pastor has helped him along the way. But most of all, Howell attributes his success to his love of kids. And that, Howell says, is really the number one secret to being a successful bus driver, as well as teacher. "I like working with children and one of the things I strive is that I want to see them achieve. When one graduates, it makes me feel good. I'm glad I can have a word with them so I can steer them in the right direction."  

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