Bossier City Honors Local Hero with Heart of Gold
In a heartwarming ceremony at the Bossier Parish School Board meeting, one extraordinary man received a special recognition that truly highlights the spirit of community and dedication. This is the story of Marcus McIlveen, a school bus driver who went above and beyond—not just in his daily duties but even by walking a staggering thirty miles to ensure that the children of his community arrived safely at school.
A Role Model for the Kids
For many families in Benton, Marcus is more than just a bus driver; he’s become a beloved figure, a true gentle giant who greets each of his 184 riders with warmth and kindness every morning. His reputation precedes him—parents and students alike rave about the comfort and safety that he brings to their daily commutes. Kingston mom Morgan Burton shared her fears about letting her young daughter ride the bus, saying, “I was just terrified because she was so young. But after meeting Mr. Marcus, I was completely reassured. He always makes sure to drop the kids off as close to home as possible, especially when the weather is bad.”
A Standout in the Transportation Department
It’s no wonder that Amber Beach, Kingston’s Assistant Principal, has dubbed him the “Principal of the Buses.” She believes that McIlveen exemplifies what it truly means to go the extra mile. “He is invested in his students and can tell you anything about their families, hobbies, pets, and so much more,” she shared.
Walking the Extra Mile—Literally!
But here’s where Marcus’s commitment transcends the average bus driver story. One astonishing night, he walked from Shed Road in Bossier City to Plain Dealing just to meet his bus route, starting at 10 p.m. He arrived right on time the next morning, ready to take his kids safely to school. Now, that’s dedication!
The Journey to Becoming a Bus Driver
Marcus’s journey started with obstacles, including not owning a vehicle when he first applied to the Bossier Schools’ Transportation Department. However, he didn’t let that stop him. “I walked to the bus barn, arriving at 5:30 a.m. just in case a substitute driver was needed,” recalled Lt. Col. Dave Hadden, the Transportation Director. Despite the hurdles, Marcus’s dedication was clear, and he was offered a full-time position as soon as one opened up.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking toward the future, McIlveen has set his sights on becoming the Director of Transportation. “I am working towards that by finishing my degree in human resources,” he revealed with determination. He also takes pride in training new drivers, ensuring that they understand the responsibilities of transporting the community’s most precious cargo—its children.
A Heartwarming Celebration
Recently, Marcus was surprised during a morning drop-off at Kingston Elementary. A group of cheerleaders lined the walkway, cheering him on while a congratulatory poster fluttered in the breeze. The atmosphere was festive as Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland and fellow bus operators joined in the celebration, honoring McIlveen as the latest recipient of the Gold Star employee award.
Impacting Lives Beyond the Bus
In the words of Principal Jennifer Burris from Benton Intermediate, “Marcus demonstrates that no matter the role, we can all make a lasting impact on students’ lives.” It’s clear that McIlveen’s dedication and positive attitude resonate deeply within the community and will continue to do so for years to come. After all, a heart of gold truly deserves a shiny recognition to match!
As Bossier City comes together to celebrate heroes like Marcus, we are reminded of the true essence of community spirit—dedication, warmth, and the desire to make a difference, one bus ride at a time.
