DeSoto Texas Rotary has embarked on a Random Act of Kindness service project this year under the direction of our President Velma Davison and Special Events Coordinator Rosa E. Hernandez.
The DeSoto Texas Rotary wanted to recognize a group of individuals whose dedication and commitment often go unnoticed, but whose impact on our community is immeasurable—the very dedicated DeSoto ISD bus drivers and monitors. Every day, they rise early, prepare for their routes, and ensure that our most valuable assets—our children—arrive at school safely and return home at the end of the day.
The work of a bus driver can sometimes be thankless, and frankly, it is often overlooked. But not today. The DeSoto Texas Rotary Club, in line with our goal of service above self and our random act of kindness service project, has chosen to honor these remarkable men and women for their tireless service. On October 21, 2024, Desoto Texas Rotary in partnership with DeSoto ISD greeted over 80 DeSoto ISD bus drivers and monitors with Starbucks coffee, donuts, and a warm 5 a.m. message of inspiration and gratuity.
The efforts took place during National School Bus Safety Week. It provides an excellent opportunity for parents, students, teachers, school bus operators, district partners, and our community to come together and emphasize the importance of school bus safety. Bus drivers are tasked with more than just transportation. They are often the first faces our students see each morning, setting the tone for their day, and the last as they head home. They navigate not only the roads but also the responsibility of keeping our students safe, managing diverse needs, and maintaining a calm and orderly environment—all while adhering to tight schedules and traffic conditions. It’s a tremendous job, and they handle it with unwavering dedication and DeSoto Texas Rotary wanted this special group of individuals to be first to be pampered and appreciated for our Random Act of Kindness Campaign.
We also want to thank our wonderful volunteers who came out to service and greeted our phenomenal bus drivers and monitors: Isabella Xochitl Hernandez, student Vice President of the 8th grade Class at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA), Crystal Chism, City of DeSoto Councilmember, Shelonda Weaver, DeSoto PTA President, Leon McCown, DeSoto Texas Rotary, Denise Cameron, Sectary of DeSoto Texas Rotary, Trenna Cox and Shawneea Malone with First Student, Dnaiel Hernandez and his son Xaver Hernandez, DeSoto residents, Ricky Thompson, Starbucks Manger, and many other volunteers who came out to support our dedicated unsung heroes.