It was a big crowd at the West Carrollton Board of Education meeting on Oct. 3 when Jefferey “Big Jeff” Wilkerson was presented with the Pirate Pride Award. Big Jeff was caught giving high fives to kids when they were getting on his bus at the Middle School. The whole thing was caught on video by parent, Tammy Goodpaster who shared the video with the schools. Nominations for Big Jeff to receive the award were received by multiple people by phone and e-mail.
The video, along with his award presentation, is on the district Facebook page at West Carrollton City Schools. Some of the kids he is giving out high fives to aren’t even on his bus! Along with high fives, Big Jeff gives out words of encouragement to every child he drives to and from school. He does this every day. Comments from parents included, “Congratulations Big Jeff. So deserving. My son Nicholas loves getting on the bus each day. It was so worth taking the time out to nominate him. So glad the school system has this award.” “My kids had him last year and absolutely loved him!! He was an amazing guy and my kids always looked forward to seeing him in the morning before school! They were devastated this year when they found out he wasn’t their bus driver!!”
In addition to being a bus driver, Big Jeff is also a Playground Aide at C. F. Holliday Elementary. There you will find him surrounded by kids who love to hear his stories. Big Jeff takes the time to talk with the kids and let them know he cares. He will even tell them he loves them, because he knows they may not hear it at home. He does the same to his co-workers!
Following the Pirate Pride presentation, Big Jeff received a surprise when students, parents, co-workers, administrators and school board members came down to give him a well-deserved high five for all he does. One Facebook comment about the presentation said, “That gave me chills, how wonderful! Thank you Big Jeff!”
If you know someone who is showing pride in West Carrollton Schools, contact Janine Corbett at [email protected] or 937-859-5121,
ext. 1115.