After more than two decades of navigating snowy back roads, early morning routes, and countless waves from excited students, Hamilton Community Schools bus driver Vicki DeJonge is preparing for a well-deserved retirement.
“I loved my kids—and they knew it,” DeJonge reflected with a smile. “It’s like a family. You get to know their good days and their bad days. I’ll really miss that connection.”
For the past 24 years, Vicki has safely transported students from Bentheim Elementary, Hamilton Middle School, and Hamilton High School, always with a warm greeting and a sense of fun. She hopes the students she’s served will remember her as someone who cared and made a positive impact on their day. “I still remember my bus drivers, and I just hope I’ve made that kind of difference too.”
Her decision to retire wasn’t easy, but it comes at the right time. Vicki is looking forward to spending more time traveling with her husband and helping care for her grandchildren and family members. “I’m excited for retirement—especially not waking up at 4:00 in the morning,” she joked.
DeJonge is grateful for the opportunity to work in a job that fit perfectly with her own kids’ school schedules and gave her the chance to serve in a district she deeply respects. “It’s been a great job, and Hamilton is a great district to work for,” she said.
Though she’s stepping away from the driver’s seat, she won’t be far away. “I’ll still be around town. I see former students at the grocery store all the time, and they always come up to talk—that won’t change.”
As she retires, Vicki also leaves with an important reminder for the community: “We really need more bus drivers. A lot of people don’t realize how many routes and vehicles go out every day. We need help.”
From all of us at Hamilton Community Schools—thank you, Vicki, for 24 years of dedication, heart, and miles of memories. You will always be part of the Hawkeye family.
