Each morning, dozens of buses depart the district's transportation yard to carry students to and from school. District officials said the annual event is meant to recognize the men and women behind the wheel.
"So it's just a way to recognize our school bus drivers and how special they really are in taking care of our students, and taking them and driving them safely, safely each and every day," said Steven Mirelez, Clovis Unified transportation director.
This year's celebration included a surprise honor for one driver, Silvia Neri, whose quick actions helped protect students during an emergency.
The California Highway Patrol attended the event to recognize Neri for her actions on Sept. 30, 2025.
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While transporting four special needs students home, Neri heard a loud pop and noticed a fire had ignited on her bus. After unsuccessfully attempting to put out the fire, she quickly evacuated the students, getting everyone to safety without injuries.
"Silvia did exactly what we would hope every professional driver would do - but only what a calm, trained and courageous person can do under pressure," said CHP Assistant Chief Ian Troxell.
Neri was named the 2025 Bus Driver of the Year for Northern California, an award given to only two drivers statewide each year.
As colleagues applauded, Neri said she was caught off guard by the recognition.
"Was not expecting this. I thought it was over, so I was hoping it would just be a normal, regular day," she said.
Despite the honor, Neri said she does not view her actions as extraordinary.
"Anyone would have done the same thing," she said. "I have complete 100% confidence that anybody would have done the same thing."
In addition to her response during the emergency, district officials said Neri has logged 162,000 accident-free miles as a Clovis Unified bus driver.
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