After 17 years of driving a school bus for the Hartland Consolidated Schools District, Joe Convery recently retired.
Known by the kids as “Mr. C,” the Hartland Township resident specialized in building connections with his riders. He always arrived at the school early, and before the students got off the bus, he’d talk to them about subjects ranging from how their weekends were to the dreams they hoped to achieve; Convery loved learning about it all.
“If you develop a relationship with them, they are going to share some amazing things,” Convery said. “I am going to miss having those conversations.”
Convery even gifted an encyclopedia about owls to one sixth-grade student after hearing that she wanted to become an ornithologist, one who studies birds.
From personalized Christmas tree ornaments, custom tote bags, handmade dream catchers, and more, Convery received many gifts over the years from students and parents, helping him to feel a “real appreciation” for what he did. His retirement did not escape unnoticed: The first retirement card he received was signed by two of his students, an older and younger sibling. The older sibling wrote “Hi, Mr. C., you were the best bus driver in the world and I am so glad I got to have you. Thank you for all you did.” The younger sibling added, “I am so sad I won’t have you as my bus driver in the sixth grade, you were such an amazing bus driver. I am glad I at least got a year with you,” and ending with, “Thank you. P.S. Please don’t retire.”
Being a bus driver for many years, Convery has seen students grow both in age as well as maturity. By simply listening to the students’ conversations, he was always surprised at what he would hear.
Convery tells that one of his favorite conversations happened years ago, when a woman was jogging in the direction of the bus wearing summer athletic wear. He overheard one of his students say “man, she’s spicy!” Convery was confused at the word ‘spicy’ being used in that context, and while he was trying to figure it out, a girl sitting behind him said, “Oh, Mr. C., you have to get out more.” To this day, he laughs every time he thinks of that moment.
Now that Convery is retired, he looks forward to traveling with his wife, Pat, spending time with his grandchildren, playing golf, fly fishing, and more. But even in retirement he knows he will miss the fun that comes with being a bus driver.
“If you like kids, there’s probably no better part-time job in the world,” Convery said, “I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly.”
