Cary West has been driving a bus for over 40 years, the past six for the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District. Staff photo by Elizabeth De Los Santos
For more than four decades, Cary West has been behind the wheel of a big yellow bus, safely transporting students to and from school. As a special education and music teacher, West first began driving buses in 1978, covering extracurricular trips before transitioning to a regular route. Even after retiring from the classroom, she continued driving.
“I love kids, and I wanted to stay connected with the school,” West said. “I needed to be busy, and I wanted to contribute. Driving a bus lets me do that.”
West was voted Favorite School Bus Driver for the Burnet area by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners in the 2025 Locals Love Us contest.
She has spent the past six years as a driver for Burnet Consolidated Independent School District, navigating scenic rural roads that wind through buffalo and thoroughbred horse ranches and a wildlife reserve. She picks up students ranging from 4 years old to high school seniors, many of whom she has watched grow up over the years.
“I have about 35 kids, and they’re wonderful,” she said. “I rarely have any problems. I love getting to know them and seeing them every day.”
West’s passion for her work extends beyond transportation. She takes pride in keeping students safe, fostering relationships, and providing a positive experience for the children on her route.
“The first thing they see in the morning and the last thing they see after school is their bus driver,” she said. “It’s important to make that a good experience.”
When she’s not driving, West stays active by playing trumpet in the Hill Country Community Band and participating in local performances at fire stations, senior centers, and events. At 84 years old, she has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
“I’ve got to keep my brain going,” she said. “I don’t feel 84, so I’m going to keep going as long as I can.”
