JOSHUA TREE — Morongo Basin school bus driver Ben Glaser was recognized as the California Highway Patrol Southern Region School Bus Driver of the Year for 2023. Glaser, a Student Transportation of America Driver for the Morongo Unified School District, was nominated for the award due to his outstanding dedication to student safety.
Earlier this year, Glaser was involved in a very serious accident while transporting students from La Contenta Middle School. His school bus was t-boned, nearly causing the bus to roll over. Glaser’s quick thinking and expertise as a driver saved the lives of everyone on board his bus, Salseda said.
“When we were able to have all the students go home safely that day, it was a miracle,” said MUSD Risk & Transportation Director Jack Salseda.
Due to his outstanding efforts Glaser was nominated as the bus driver of the year first by Division Chiefs, then by a panel of five representatives from: California Highway Patrol, Dept. of Motor Vehicles, Dept. of Education and California Association of School Transportation Officials.
He was chosen as the top driver for the Southern Region which includes the CHP’s Southern Division, Border Division, Coastal Division and Inland Division. For the Northern Region, which includes the CHP’s Northern Division, Valley Division, Central Division and Golden Gate Division, the winner was Angela Cuellar from Alum Rock Union School District, San Jose Area (340)
“To receive and even to be nominated for this award is a great honor,” said STA Regional Operations Manager Eric Lozano. “I’m very proud to have someone on the Morongo team receiving this award.”
Glaser drives for the Student Transportation of America in Yucca Valley, serving students on the east-end of the Morongo Unified School District. He received his California School Bus Certificate from San Diego Unified School District in 2019; he then drove for Chula Vista Elementary School in 2020 and came to Student Transportation of America in Morongo Unified in April 2022.
“When Glaser is not driving a school bus, he enjoys spending much of his free time helping with food distribution for people in need at the Joshua Tree Way Station,” said STA Safety Manager Linda Titford. “It is his kind nature and sense of service that make him invaluable to not only the students he drives, but our community as a whole.”
Glaser was recognized for his outstanding achievement on Friday, April 26 at an awards ceremony hosted by the CHP. He was also recognized by 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe and the MUSD for his outstanding efforts.
“Mr. Glaser’s dedication and unwavering commitment to student safety makes him a true asset to our community.” said Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas. "We are incredibly proud of his achievement and the positive impact he's made on our students."