Bellefontaine City Schools is proud to announce its Thursday Tribe Member of the Week.

Penny Smith is this week’s recipient.

Title: School Bus Driver

Years of experience: 23 years

Why you love being a Chieftain: I graduated from Bellefontaine as did 4 of my 5 children. Once a Chieftain, Always a Chieftain! I love my bus students and love hearing about their achievements through their school years. My work family is the best! We may not always agree, but in the end we always have each other’s backs and get back to the task at hand.

Classroom motto or quote to live by: I actually have two favorite mottos: "As individual fingers we can be easily broken, but together we form a mighty fist."

"In a circle, we are all equal. When in a circle, no one is in front of you, no one is behind you, no one is above you, and no one is below you. The circle is a symbol of unity."

What you love doing outside of school: I love spending time with my kids and grandkids. They are the best thing ever! I enjoy being outside with a warm breeze and sunshine on my face. I love to fish, hike, camp, craft, garden, and a nice bonfire…and oh, did I say fish! I also enjoy my animals – 6 dogs, 2 cats, 4 tropical birds, and 5 chickens!