We are honored to recognize our Transportation Director, Mrs. Annette Ward, as the 2025 Cedar Ridge Employee of the Year! Annette plays a crucial role in ensuring that our students and drivers arrive at school and return home safely every single day. Her attention to detail makes all the difference, and simply put, we would be lost without her. She has been with the district for 35 years.
Here are a few comments made from those who nominated her:
-She takes her job to heart. She is out driving roads during winter storms to make sure that the roads are clear before we come back to school. She almost never takes a day off because she truly loves her job and wants to do the best she can at it. She is at the school before the other drivers to make sure the buses are ready to hit the road, and when she has a bus or vehicle out, she makes sure she is always available for any need that may arise. She cares about each student, teacher, and staff member in this district and wants to help them anyway she can. She is the best.
-You will never find another person who truly loves the kids and the importance of school than Annette Ward. She knows every house and where every kid goes. She knows all of the kids. She blesses not only the kids but also her bus drivers. She keeps them fueled, warms the buses on the cold mornings, and makes sure they are taken care of. She will do whatever she can for Cedar Ridge and, while she thinks it's just doing her job, it's way more than that. She is a tremendous blessing and deserves employee of the century!
Thanks to Merchants and Planters Bank for sponsoring this year’s winner.
From L to R in the photo: Superintendent Roger Ried, Annette Ward, Federal Programs Coordinator Paula Lovell