Central Manor bus driver honored for 41 years behind the wheel

Central Manor Elementary School recently honored its longtime bus driver, Ella Sensenig, who retired after 41 years behind the wheel.

There were plenty of hugs and tears when Ella completed her final run on June 4. Two days earlier, the school presented her with a banner made by students that read “We Will Miss You Ella!”

Sensenig also received flowers and a giant cookie from principal Brian Malek, along with a charm bracelet featuring a school bus, a heart and a charm that read “No one can ever fill your shoes” In addition, her fellow drivers gave her plenty of hugs and flowers as a sendoff.

Sensenig started driving in 1980, first for Manor Middle School and then transporting students to sports events and Lancaster Career & Technology Center campuses, before starting her Central Manor bus runs more than 20 years ago.

Over the years, she transported two generations of some families to and from Central Manor, but she never drove her own children, who grew up in Millersville.

Ella, who is 85, loved her job.

“I’d get up at 5 every morning, and even if I felt tired, once I got in that bus, I was happy,” she said. “I’d keep driving if I wasn’t so old!”

In retirement, Sensenig plans to work in her vegetable garden at her Millersville home and spend time with her family, including two children, five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Congratulations, Ella, and thank you for your many years of service to Penn Manor families!