With jazz music playing in the background, a group of 10 ladies sat around a table, sharing stories of some of their most memorable students.

Over espresso coffee and homemade pancakes, they shared with their chef the joys of being able to see the children of Willow Lane Elementary School grow up with each passing year.

Their chef Jan. 6 was the school’s principal, Dr. Anthony Moyer.

From the outset, Moyer told the drivers they are his school’s unsung heroes.

“You have such an effective role. We couldn’t do what we do if we wouldn’t have you to get our kids here.

“It’s a hard job,” Moyer said. “I would teach any grade level here before I think I could do what you do. You get the kids when they’re done for the day.”

The bus drivers were touched by Moyer’s breakfast. Not only did he host them, but he also made everyone fresh pancakes, serving them with the help of school staff. “It’s awesome. Awesome. Dr. Moyer tries to help us get through the issues that we have with children,” Doreen Yoachim said.

They see the children first thing in the morning and at the end of the day. They each have an additional route, either for a middle school or the high school.

As with the different stages in life, they witness different behaviors and experiences. Sometimes, parents get upset if a disciplinary issue arises.

They all laughed at the fact most high school students just want to sleep, regardless of if it’s early in the morning or the afternoon.

The day of breakfast was the eve of the first snowstorm. Already that morning, the little ones were excited about the snow. The bus drivers were expecting a high energy afternoon shift.

Those different shifts are part of the hourly rate job challenges, with a few free hours in the middle of the day. They all agree it is one of the toughest elements of the job, as well as the traffic woes of Cedar Crest Boulevard near the high school, where “no one obeys traffic.”

For Denise Willock, the bond with the students, regardless of their age, is a special one.

“They are our kids, away from home. So, if something happens to them, we are going to get upset. We are going to protect them like a mother bear protects her cubs.”

The special bond with the children is for them what makes their job worth it, and they were thankful to Moyer for making them feel appreciated at Willow Lane Elementary School.