Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA) driver Diane Miklusicak of Wayland  has been named the 2021 School Bus Driver of the Year by the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation.

This state-wide award recognizes her for her continuing excellence behind the wheel.

Miklusicak has been a school bus driver since the fall of 1998.

“With 23 years of service, Diane has dedicated her life to the school bus industry and the safety of Allegan County in general and special education children, an AAESA spokesperson said. “Diane is not only a driver of excellence, but displays an extraordinary sense of duty and caring for the children entrusted in her custody.

“Diane goes about her role in a dependable manner, and her professionalism and devotion to the children does not go unnoticed, by both the members of the transportation department office staff as well as local school districts she serves,” said AAESA Transportation Supervisor Dale Witczak. “It is this unwavering positive contribution by Diane that deserves our recognition. I am proud that Diane is a model member of AAESA transportation department.”

Since its establishment in 1965, the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation has been providing transportation service and training across Michigan.