Sonja Fannin has a deep connection to Woodford County Public Schools. Not only was she, along with her family and children, a Woodford County graduate but Sonja has also worked for the district since 1998. Furthermore, several of Sonja’s family members have also been employed by the school system. Needless to say, Woodford County Public Schools has been a major part of Sonja’s life since childhood. For her service to the community, commitment to the district, hard work, and warm personality, Sonja is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Transportation Department’s Woodford Outstanding Service Award.
When she began working for the district, Sonja was thrilled to have a job that allowed her to be on the same schedule as her children. It was priceless to Sonja to be able to have her afternoons, evenings, summers, and holidays with her family. Now she enjoys the schedule because it allows her to own a business with her sister, Rhonda Ingram, who is also a bus driver for WCPS. Together, the sisters own a cleaning service, and they use their time in between the morning and afternoon routes to conduct this business. It’s worth noting that Sonja is also dedicated to keeping her bus spic-and-span. Rhonda laughs and says, “Sonja’s bus is definitely one of the cleanest in our fleet.”
However, a clean bus is only the beginning of what Sonja’s coworkers say about her. Kay Penn, Director of Transportation, remarks, “Sonja exemplifies all that entails a Woodford County employee and a school bus driver. Not only does she go above and beyond daily, but she does it with a friendly heart, a smile, and lots of love for the students of Woodford County. Her attention to detail is none short of amazing! I would be remiss not to mention how immaculate she keeps her bus! We are so fortunate to have Sonja as part of our work family.” Rhonda adds, “Sonja is very dedicated to everything she does. She gives 100% to any task given to her. She doesn't want to do something unless it’s done right.”
As noted by her sister, Sonja’s work ethic is impressive. Her diligence is an intrinsic part of who she is, but Sonja also finds motivation from a key component of her job: the kids. She explains, “They’re looking at you, and you have to be a role model for them...You have to know that they watch and listen to everything you do and say.” Sonja strives each day to ensure that her kids feel safe and welcomed on the bus. She does not take this responsibility lightly because she knows that every student who rides her bus is “somebody’s baby.”
Her determination to create a positive environment for her bus does not go unnoticed by her coworkers. Tom Jones, bus driver, says the following about Sonja, “If I were a student, I would want to be on her bus. If I were a parent, I would want my child to ride her bus. If I were a transportation director, I would want her to be responsible for a bus...She is excellent in every way.”
Upon receiving her award, Sonja felt extremely humbled by what her coworkers said about her. She is grateful for them and for the opportunity to work in this district with wonderful kids. We are thrilled to have Sonja as a vital member of our Woodford family.
Congratulations on receiving the Woodford Outstanding Service Award, Sonja!
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