Congratulations Mary, you're a gem and a mother to all, surely the best, an icon in this town.
JC
Jim Casillo
Marion Central SchoolA Community Tribute · 1976 — 2026
Fifty years behind the wheel.
Mrs. Mary Perry
For half a century, before the sun was up, Mrs. Perry turned the key on a yellow bus and carried the children of Marion safely to school — and safely home. This is a tribute from the town she helped raise, one stop at a time.
- 50
- Years of service
- ≈500k
- Miles driven
- 3
- Generations driven
Her Story
Fifty years on the same route
Mrs. Perry began employment with Marion Central School as a school bus driver in 1976, and this year she celebrated her 50th year of driving students of all ages in our K–12 district. She has driven generations of families, and her "main route" for the past 50 years is essentially unchanged.
Simple estimates are that she has driven close to 500,000 miles transporting children safely to and from school. She has driven in school bus rodeos, participated in thousands of field trips, and served as a chaperone more times than can be counted. She has watched every school musical and is a frequent spectator at all sporting events. She has dressed up for Halloween each year for the past 50 — simply to bring a smile to "her kids'" faces.
On June 10, 2026, the students and school district surprised Mrs. Perry by organizing a ceremony and dedicating the 2026 yearbook to her in honor of her service and dedication. The memories shared by the Marion community as Mrs. Perry was recognized show she is loved and treasured, and is an inspiration to all.
When interviewed, she said she loves her job — and that if one day she wakes up and has to go to "work," it will be time to retire. Even with 50 years behind the wheel of her yellow bus, Mrs. Perry still hasn't gone to "work," and is still rolling down the road with her heart full of love and a smile on her face.
Love letters from Marion
What the community remembers
Memories shared by students, parents, and neighbors after Mrs. Perry's 50-year celebration.
Well-deserved Mrs. Perry ❤️ I'm so thankful and blessed I had you as my bus driver and my children's. You are an amazing person 💕
AB
Ashley Brugge
Congratulations on 50 years! You have not only touched the lives of students but their parents as well! Your heartwarming smile as you picked up our kids will always be remembered with gratitude! I remember Chris bringing home a popsicle stick sleigh ornament that you had saved for years and lent it to him to show us! What an amazing person you are! Thank you for the gift of you! ❤️
DS
Debbie Schojan
I can't think of anyone else who deserves this more than her 🩷 Had her as my bus driver and now my daughter gets to be one of the lucky ones to have her as her bus driver! Congratulations Mrs. Perry! Thank you for always treating our kids as one of your own! 🩷
AM
Alyssa Marie
What a well-deserved dedication! 50 years of kids blessed by you! So many wonderful bus #64 memories! Thank you for your dedication, smiles, love and encouragement! Congratulations! ❤️💐🎉
LC
Lisa Crego
Wow!! Congratulations Mary! The students got it right — your dedication and kindness have made a lasting impact on so many lives. Thank you for being an incredible role model! 🙏
KJ
Kim Jackson
My husband rode her bus and so did our oldest son. One great, caring, and loved bus driver.
CN
Cande Niles Hadlock
Amazing, legendary woman. I was so lucky to get to ride Bus 12!!
KM
Kari Miller
Congratulations to the best bus driver — you absolutely make such a difference, and I'm not just talking about getting the kids to school. Your kindness to myself, Amanda and CJ were a bright part of the day. Thank you!
CR
Crystal Robinson
A beautiful woman with the most compassionate heart — and the greatest bus driver of all time!!
KB
Kelly Borrelli
Mrs. Perry is the greatest. She greets the kids each day with a smile. My kids adore her!
JH
Jen Hunter
Class of '95 here. Wow! Mrs. Perry is the best. We used to sing songs on the way to school. I also remember those air horns she had on her bus — the only bus that had them. She would sound them every once in a while.
BJ
Brandon James
She is a true blessing to this town and school.
CF
Connie Franks
Well deserved! You are so loved, Mary Perry 💕
RV
Rae Verbridge
Mary is such an inspiration to all who know her. Congratulations.
WB
Warren Bushart
So many fond memories that will never be forgotten! Singing songs at the top of our lungs, being able to "pull the horn" once in a while, and taking turns getting to sit in the front seat — something we all loved to do! Lots of laughter and joy. Thanks for the memories Mrs. Perry. This shows how much you are loved and appreciated and the mark you leave on all your bus riders for all these years! Congratulations! ❤️
MF
Mary Fleegel Kirkland
Congratulations Mary! Thank you for your years of service and friendship to the Marion community. You are the best — your heart was in it every single day and it showed!!! 🥰🚌
SK
Susan Kittle
A half-century, in stops
1976 → 2026
1976
First route
A young Mary Perry takes the keys for the first time at Marion Central School.
1990s
Second generation
Children of her earliest riders begin climbing aboard — singing songs and pulling the horn on Bus 12.
2010s
Third generation
Grandchildren of her first riders take their seats. The main route, still essentially unchanged.
2026
Fifty years
On June 10, students surprise Mrs. Perry with a ceremony and dedicate the 2026 yearbook in her honor.
With love from every child you ever drove home —
Thank you, Mrs. Perry.
Marion Central School · 1976 — 2026