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Perfect: Texas school bus driver has not missed a day in 20 years

ALVIN, Texas — Perfect attendance at school is a nice achievement. Perfect attendance as a school bus driver is even more impressive.

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A bus driver in the Houston area has never missed a day in 20 years of work, and she was honored by the Alvin Independent School District with a commendation, KHOU reported.

Ana Avitia has been faithfully driving the same route every day since 2001, the television station reported.

“Bus drivers are often the first and last district employees to see our students every day,” school board President Earl Humbird said at June’s board meeting. “After two decades of outstanding service, Alvin ISD Board of Trustees is proud to recognize Ana Avitia for having perfect attendance driving her bus since her first day behind the wheel.”

Avitia has driven two generations of students on her bus.

“I have gotten to know the students and their families,” Avitia told KHOU. “I have had brothers and sisters and now have seen their children on my bus.”

Avitia said attendance was always important to her.

“When I was a kid, I had perfect attendance in school,” Avitia told KHOU. “I wanted to get Astroworld coupons, which they gave you if you never missed a day.”

There was no theme park incentive while she drove the bus, but Avitia’s work ethic carried over into her job as an adult.

“Ana is an amazing employee. She is always willing to help whenever and wherever she can,” Greg Bingham, the Alvin ISD director of transportation, told KHOU. “She is trustworthy and can always be counted on to be there for our students.”

Avitia said she plans to continue driving her bus until she retires in about five years.

“I enjoy what I do so as long as I can drive my bus, I plan to continue until retirement,” she told the television station.