By Cameron Maynard
For Coal Valley News
It’s safe to say 2026 has been a memorable year for Lisa Cook, who is a bus operator for the Boone County Schools Transportation Department.
On April 27, she was named the 2025-2026 Boone County Schools Service Personnel Employee of the Year and was recognized as a WSAZ Channel 3 News Hometown Hero for her efforts in helping elementary school students and their grandfather in a car wreck in a creek following her morning bus run.
Then, on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the Champions of Learning Gala inside the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, another honor was added to Cook’s resume as she was named the 2027 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year.
ook said she was pleased to have her mother in attendance as she received her award — especially since she credits her mother for teaching her kindness and respect.
“It means that, I guess, I’m doing something right, and I’m under the right guidance from my transportation department,” Cook said of the honor. “Something positive for Boone County.”
Cook began bus driving in 2022 after speaking to an acquaintance at Kroger.
She said he was recruiting hard, and she took advantage of the opportunity.
“I went through the training with two great, knowledgeable ladies as my trainers, Robin Muncy and Sabrina Eplin,” Cook said. “Took the tests, and here I am. I was always involved with my kids and their school endeavors from pre-K at Ramage to their sports at Scott. I volunteered throughout their time in school.”
Cook said she loves all of the students and the people she works with.
“We have a good time doing it by the rules,” Cook said. “I love learning more about it every day. It means the world as I realize how important it is and what an honor this is. It’s starting to mean a whole lot more to me. I didn’t realize it at the beginning, but now, it’s really starting to set in, and I just want to represent my county and my co-workers the best I can.”
Cook said respect and positivity are key ingredients in her formula for being a successful bus driver.
She said she extends that respect to the kids, their parents, and her co-workers, as well as teachers, principals and staff at the schools.
She said you must respect your bus, keep it clean, and have a positive attitude.
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