Honoring Atlanta’s Student Safety Champions

Every day across Atlanta Public Schools, dedicated individuals go above and beyond to keep students safe on their journey to and from school.

During a press conference celebrating Atlanta Public Schools’ commitment to student safety through its school bus stop-arm program and school zone speed enforcement program, Verra Mobility proudly recognized four exceptional individuals with the Verra Mobility Student Safety Champion Award. Honorees included two crossing guards and two school bus drivers who have shown exceptional commitment to keeping students safe while traveling to and from school 

These honorees represent the heart of student transportation – bringing care, consistency, and compassion to their roles each day.

Vera Lindsey, crossing guard at Burgess-Peterson Academy, has served students in several roles for more than 30 years. After beginning her time at the school in 1993 as a volunteer answering phones and greeting guests, she also took on a role as a crossing guard in 2018 to serve students more directly.

Today, she supports the school throughout the entire day as a non-instructional paraprofessional, starting and ending her day helping students safely cross the street.

“I used to work inside the building, but I became a crossing guard because of the children. My favorite part of the job is knowing that I’m there to get the children across the street safely. We see a lot of people not paying attention to the road, so it’s important.”

At Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Connie Coleman has spent the past seven years ensuring students arrive safely. Known for her warmth and dedication, she goes above and beyond to create meaningful connections with the children she serves.

“Since I was a child, I always wanted to be a crossing guard. I was always inspired by it. Now, I really enjoy it because even some mornings when you don’t feel good, once you see the children running up to you, they’re hugging on you, and asking you to tie their shoes or fasten their coat – it’s inspiring. I love what I do, and it’s the children who make me want to get up every morning and come to work.”

Her passion extends beyond the crosswalk, as she actively promotes traffic safety awareness and is beloved by all students. 

With more than three decades of service, Carla Perkins has built a career rooted in care and connection. Since joining Atlanta Public Schools in 1989, she has impacted countless students by creating a nurturing, family-oriented environment.

“I drove a big bus for over 20 years, and after I drove a big bus, I went on standby and drove different routes every day for about eight years. I didn’t want to get attached to the kids so close to retirement, but I decided to take another route anyway – and I’m attached to the kids. I love what I do, and I love the kids. We’re the first person they see every day, and the last one they see when they get off the bus. It makes my day, every day.”

From preparing meals for children early in her career to continuing to build meaningful relationships today, Carla embodies a deep commitment to service that has made a lasting impact on her coworkers and the transportation community.

Driving Generations Forward

For Michelle Owens, a school bus driver of 30 years, the joy of the job has never faded. A graduate of Therrell High School, she has safely transported generations of Atlanta students and has become a trusted and familiar presence for families.

“I started my career as a bus driver 30 years ago when my children were small, and it was easy because I could bring them with me. I thought after my kids were grown, I would retire – but I’m still here. I want to keep moving and keep seeing the children – I love to see their smiling faces every day, and they’re the best part of my job, but I also have some great co-workers that I love being around.”

Her reliability, positivity, and dedication to safety have made a lasting impact on her community and colleagues alike.

Celebrating Everyday Heroes

As highlighted during Atlanta’s student safety celebration, programs like stop-arm enforcement and school zone speed safety initiatives are making a measurable difference in protecting students. However, behind every statistic are people like Vera, Connie, Carla, and Michelle who bring those safety efforts to life each day.

At Verra Mobility, we are proud to recognize and celebrate these Student Safety Champions and the countless others like them who help ensure children can travel to and from school safely.