A local former bus driver shares his love for kids and kindness

By Mia Jones

Rick Zarek knew that he did not want to be just any ordinary bus driver; he wanted to be something different.
Zarek, a former school bus driver, drove the Hinsdale route for two and a half years for Timothy Christian Schools. Since leaving TCS, he has also driven for Westchester Public School District 92½ and Montini Catholic High School.

Previously, Zarek drove ambulances and fire trucks as a firefighter and EMT for the Berkeley Fire Department. Due to his experience, his son suggested that he become a school bus driver.

In his ten years of bus driving, Zarek was known for brightening kids’ school days with fun surprises. He started a “birthday club” for the kids he drove on the bus, getting them a small gift and a card.

During the holidays, he would give kids who rode his bus a stocking filled with some school supplies items, like pencils. If one of the kids was out sick for a day, they would receive a get-well card and a gift card from Zarek.

“I didn’t do anything because I wanted something in return; it was just because I wanted to. I wanted to be something different. I didn’t want to be just a bus driver. Anyone who passes the test can be a bus driver,” said Zarek.

Zarek’s acts of kindness and appreciation for the kids allowed him to develop friendly relationships with them and their families. He got to know kids’ interests and quirks, making a simple bus ride to and from school more enjoyable and fun.

Two hours a day, five days a week, Zarek spent time driving kids of all different ages to and from school.
“I wanted the kids to have a smile on their faces. I didn’t care about what it cost. I wanted them to have a good time, and I wanted to be the best driver they ever had,” said Zarek.

It is no secret that Mr. Rick, which is the name the kids gave him, brought lots of joy and smiles to their faces. Zarek officially retired from school bus driving in May 2024.