DERWOOD, Md. — Friday was the last day of school not only for Montgomery County public school students but for one of its beloved school bus drivers.
Melvin Fizzelle has been transporting Montgomery County students to and from school for two decades.
Mr. Melvin, as his students called him, earned quite the reputation with his colleagues, students and parents.
鈥淗e knows every child by name, greets them by name,鈥� parent Andrea Dumas told 草莓传媒. 鈥淥n Mother鈥檚 Day, he gets off the bus and gives each mother a rose 鈥� nannies also.聽 He gives the kids candy on Friday, Popsicles when it is hot. He loves his job; he loves every kid.鈥�
When Fizzelle arrived at Sequoyah Elementary School in Derwood for his final morning run, he was greeted by parents, teachers and students who all wanted to wish him well in his retirement.
He got off the bus to give hugs to everyone.
Aside from making sure students got to school safely, Fizzelle maintained a simple work philosophy.
鈥淩emember one thing: You were once a kid yourself,鈥� Fizzelle remembered telling other bus drivers throughout his career. 鈥淵ou know how it is.聽Just treat them the way you鈥檇 want to treat them and love them. That鈥檚 all.鈥�
He also says he treat the kids as if they were like his three daughters, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
One of the biggest things he plans to enjoy in retirement is not waking up before 4:30 a.m. any more. But he isn鈥檛 going anywhere.
鈥淚鈥檒l still be here,鈥� he told the crowd. 鈥淚鈥檒l be riding through the neighborhood, gang. So be on your best behavior! I won鈥檛 be in a yellow bus, but I鈥檒l be watching!鈥�
