Andy Hohlt (center) a bus driver for Perry Township Schools, was honored Sept. 12 by the district’s board of education for service going beyond the call of duty when transporting Jason Hirlston (seen with Hohlt at the right) and other students to and from Cornerstone Autism Center in Greenwood. Jason’s parents, Steven and Karen Hirlston, wrote a letter to the district in the hope that Hohlt would be recognized for his exemplary conduct.
The Hirlstons wrote:
“Jason, who is profoundly autistic, loves ‘Mr. Andy’ and has connected very strongly with him. Jason doesn’t know a lot of things, but he knows good people. Andy Hohlt is a wonderful person and a great bus driver. He makes Jason feel very special. Jason runs to the bus, and that’s the only thing he runs to.
“You are very fortunate to have him as an employee. If there is an annual Bus Driver of the Year, please consider this our nomination for him to win that award. He deserves it.”
Also at the ceremony were Director of Transportation Patrick Murphy (left) and Associate Superintendent Pat Mapes.