Warsaw Community Schools’ transportation department was recognized at the Baker Youth Club annual fundraiser. Photo provided by WCS.

Press Release

WARSAW — On March 17, Warsaw Community Schools’ bus drivers were recognized at the Baker Youth Club annual fundraiser.

BYC honored their daily commitment and hard work by presenting them with the Community Partner Award.

Several years ago, BYC started acknowledging people that support BYC and impact lives within the community. Recently, the award was renamed in order to honor John Elliott and his influence on BYC for over 25 years.

“After the passing of John Elliott in January, BYC wanted to keep his name associated with the organization,” said BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall. “His influence on our organization was incredible. We felt that his involvement with BYC, and in this community, needed to be recognized. Naming our ‘Community Partner Award’ after John Elliott was a small way to keep his legacy of community involvement going forward for a long time.”

BYC recognizes that the partnership with WCS is crucial to their success; the transportation department plays a large role. Transportation is a major reason that children might not attend before or after-school programs or other opportunities.

“The support of our program, from the leadership at WCS and the work and effort by Mark Fick, WCS director of transportation, is critical,” said Furnivall. “Thanks to Mark and his team, they get children to school in the morning and to BYC after school; it’s why we can serve about 275 children daily. We are very fortunate for this partnership and want to recognize them for their dedication and efforts.”

“WCs is so proud and thankful for the efforts of our transportation department,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “Every day they go above and beyond to serve the kids of our community. Recent years have been challenging for transportation departments across the nation due to lack of drivers. There have been days where everyone from our director to our mechanics have picked up routes to ensure safe and caring delivery of our students. The BYC recognition for this staff is a perfect example of their head and dedication to our community.”

A few of the past Community Partner Award honorees have included Flexaust, Network Partners, Tom Breading, Cindy Katris and Altrusa. These folks have helped by providing meals, volunteering or impacting the lives of WCS children and their families.