It started out as a profession that would allow her to be off when her children were out of school.

Now, 61-year-old Paula Chaplin is much more than a school bus driver for New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp. She volunteers to run concession stands regularly, fills in for free if a school secretary is out sick, organized a community yard sale to raise money for the education foundation and more.

“I just help out whenever they need me,” Chaplin said matter-of-factly. “It’s just helpful all the way around and I enjoy working with the kids. They are such a pleasure — most of the time.”

Chaplin, who has been driving a bus for 34 years with most of that time with NA-FC, is now being recognized for going above and beyond her call of duty. She was nominated for and won the 2009 Educational Support Professional of the Year Award from the Indiana State Teachers Association.

“I was surprised that I won it over the whole state of Indiana,” Chaplin said. “I like the idea of being recognized, but it shocked me.”

As part of winning, she got to attend a Pacers game, where she was recognized on the court.

Though she was surprised, others weren’t, including those who ride her bus regularly.

“I think she definitely deserves it,” said 16-year-old Elizabeth Word. “I’ve been on other buses and there’s a way nicer attitude and atmosphere about it on here and I think it’s because of her.”

“I’m pretty proud of her,” 18-year-old Jessica Eberle said. “She’s a pretty good driver and she talks to us about things and stuff.”

Word agreed.

“She has a spunky attitude and she’s so easy to talk to, that’s why I usually sit up front,” Word said.

As Chaplin still digests her new title, she’s having to prepare to leave in March, to go to the national competition in Las Vegas.

“I’m excited, because I’ve never been there,” she said. “Just the idea of the trip going there, whether I win or not, I feel like I’m already a winner.”

Chaplin isn’t sure when she’ll say it’s time for retirement, but even after that day has come, she said she will continue to volunteer and be an active member of the community. She said she has already joined CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, as a way to help.

Until then, she’s happy to keep on rolling through her routes.



PURPOSE OF THE ESP AWARD

• The Indiana Educational Support Professional of the Year Award shall recognize extraordinary efforts by an education support professional on behalf of young people.

TO QUALIFY

• The recipient must be an Indiana State Teachers Association/ESP member and work in an education support position. The effort for which the winner will be recognized must be youth-oriented and go beyond the usual expectations of any particular job held by the employee.

Only one nomination per local is accepted.

SELECTION

• A selection committee appointed by the ISTA president will evaluate all nominations. Committee members may also conduct follow-up interviews by phone or in person with nominees or references. The Indiana ESP of the Year winner will be Indiana's candidate for the National Education Association ESP of the Year Award.