Rita and Calvin Dathe were school bus drivers for the Ellendale (N.D.) Public School District from the early 1970s until Calvin retired this year. Besides his regular route, Calvin loved to drive the bus to school activities because he would get to see his grandchildren play. Because of school consolidations, some of the activity bus trips are now over 200 miles. “Kids have changed a lot over the years,” said Calvin. “Back in the seventies, the kids all did hard farm work such as milking cows and feeding the livestock before school. By the time they got on the bus, they would be tired out. Today, they … immediately start playing games on their phones or iPads or texting their friends.” “Drivers who have a quick temper and do not have a lot of patience will probably not last as drivers,” added Calvin. “I used to bring (the students) Valentine cards, give them gum, and during Halloween, I would wear a funny hat.” Photo by Ken Schmierer