On June 2, 85-year-old school bus driver and Penn Manor alumna Ella Sensenig was honored for 41 years of service with Penn Manor School District. During the celebration, Sensenig was presented with flowers, a giant cookie, a charm bracelet with a bus on it, and other gifts.
Sensenig, who grew up in Safe Harbor, moved to Millersville a few years after marrying her husband in 1955. Her aunt and uncle had built the house she and her husband purchased, and she has lived there ever since.
Throughout her life, Sensenig has worked several jobs. She started her career as a bus driver for the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (CTC). This was a part-time position in the evenings. When a full time driving position opened, she filled it. For 30 years between her bus runs, she was a crossing guard. Sensenig also worked in a research lab after graduating from Penn Manor, was a part-time police officer in Millersville, and served as a nurse's aid.
"Not a lot of people can say this, but there are no jobs I had that I didn't like," she said. "That pleases me a lot."
Sensenig said she is not as eager as many people are to retire. "Physically, I'm fine. I would love to keep going, but I'd like to go out with a good record!" she stated with a laugh.
One thing she regrets is not taking the time to write down events that happened over the course of her career. "I could probably write a book!" she exclaimed. "The kids, their parents, and the Eschbach Bus Service have been so good to me."
Although she does not consider herself a hobby-oriented person, Sensenig plans to buy a few paint-by-number kits to keep herself busy in the wintertime.
"But I love driving," she said. "As soon as I get on that crazy bus, I feel different. I feel good. I can't explain it."
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