Bus driver goes the extra mile

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

An Oklahoman is awarded for her service to our children. Even though she only has a few minutes with her kids each day, she still has enough time to make a difference in their lives.

Gloria Rangel is a bus driver. Rangel dresses up in costumes, decorates for holidays and sings to every child on their birthday.

Ms. Rangel was awarded the Golden Apple because of her impeccable record of safety, a history of good behavior from the kids and her compassion.

Dakota Dugger, 10, rides her bus. He will tell you she is not like other bus drivers.

"She never yells, she greets us every day when we get on the bus and she's really nice," Dugger said.

A seat is assigned to each student and she has learning tools. Sometimes she asks about state capitols or goes over multiplication tables, but her first priority is safety.

"These are my kids and I made a promise," Rangel said. "When I pick these kids up, I'm promising you that I'm going to return them back safely."