50 Years on the Road: MCPS Bus Driver Finds Joy in Every Mile

Vickie Owens, a familiar smiling face in Montgomery County Public Schools, has been joyfully steering students to and from school for 50 years.

“If I had to sum up working for Montgomery County in four words, I’d say fun and joyful and interesting and rewarding.”

What began as a temporary job in 1975 turned into a lifelong career as a bus operator/driver. Her motivation has remained the same: the students.

“They are my favorite thing about the job, of course,” Owens said. “I enjoy the students so much. I like to talk to them and find out what they have to say. They’re really entertaining.”

She laughs, recalling moments that only longtime drivers would know — like how children’s pants seem to grow shorter as the school year goes on. 

“It’s really cute to watch them grow,” she said.

Owens started her journey as a bus attendant before becoming a driver. Over the years, she’s driven students across countless schools. Her first assignment was at Col. Zadok Magruder High School, followed by routes serving Gaithersburg High School. 

Currently, she drives students at Watkins Mill High School and Clearspring and Damascus elementary schools.

Her manager says her positivity has never waned. 

“Every time I see Ms. Vickie, it feels like she just started working with us,” said Sinisha “Sin” Pavlovich, transportation depot manager. “She has that first-day great smile — ready to work.”

As MCPS celebrates National School Bus Safety Week, Owens offers simple advice to new drivers.

“Enjoy the students and be safe. Sometimes, you don’t even need a radio — they’ll sing to you.”