Chattanooga, TN (WRCB Channel 3)By David Carroll, Anchor

 

Alvin Lee of Hamilton County. It takes a special person to drive a school bus for more than half a century, and Alvin Lee is pretty special. The Tennessee Pupil Transportation Association inducted Alvin into its Hall of Fame this year, only the third driver to be so honored, and the first from Hamilton County. "Mr. Alvin," as the kids call him, was humbled. Although Alvin's driving skills are impressive, it may be his personality that sets him apart. You don't ride on Mr. Alvin's bus without making a new friend. "I enjoy cutting up with the kids, we do math riddles, and I make sure to say good morning to them when they get on the bus, and goodbye to them when they get off." Alvin has seen a lot of changes in 51 years of driving, not so much in the kids, as the drivers he sees each day. Too many of today's drivers are distracted, resulting in close calls, and accidents. This Hall of Famer urges all of us to be extra careful around school buses. He watches after each child as if they were his own. He says he has no plans to retire anytime soon. "As long as I feel good, I'll keep doing it," he said. "We get plenty of vacation time, and I love these kids."