Donall Watson, Hempstead ISD bus driver, was named the December Superintendent’s Higher Heights award recipient. Watson has served as a bus driver for Hempstead ISD Transportation department for 12 years and he has driven school buses for the last 16 years. He originally received his commercial driving license (CDL) in 1975.
Watson explained that he shows up to work and just does what needs to be done for the students of Hempstead ISD. However, his transportation supervisor, Quinn Navarre, says he does way more than just show up to work.
“Mr. Watson is an outstanding employee that has never called in or missed a day from driving his favorite route since I’ve been here,” Navarre said. “He loves driving his students and always lends a hand when any extra duties or trips come up. He always goes the extra mile to get the job done.”
Before becoming a bus driver, Watson who is also a Hempstead ISD graduate was an educator in Houston ISD for 30 years. Watson was an industrial technology teacher, a coach, and a bus driver before leaving Houston ISD. He also served as a job developer at Prairie View A&M University for several years, worked for the City of Houston as a teacher and site supervisor for their Houston Works program, and worked for the Houston Texans junior player development for middle and high school football players as a coach and site supervisor.
During his career, he coached Johnny Holland Watson, former linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and current linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers; Harvey Williams, former running back for the L.A. Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs; Van Malone, who played for the Detroit Lions and is currently the Kansas State University assistant head football coach; Murray Hayes, who played with the Atlanta Falcons; and Joseph Fields, former safety for the Carolina Panthers. Watson believes his multifaceted career and life experiences have helped him be successful in his current role.
“A smile or a friendly face can do wonders,” Watson says. “My favorite part of being a bus driver is making sure I get the students safely and on time to school.”
Watson explained that building relationships with his students and their families is an integral part of his job as a bus driver. Showing up to work each day is important to Watson because he knows students need consistency and dedication.
“Bus drivers are a very important part of any school system. Without the drivers transporting students back and forth, there would be no school.”
Watson is a husband and a proud father to six grown children. In his free time, he enjoys raising cattle and horses, and attending and viewing all sports events, specifically football.