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Banner Wins Regional Bus ‘Roadeo’ in Boone, To Defend State Title in Raleigh Later This Month

Avery County School Supt. David Burleson (second from right) stands to the left of Mitch Banner, who has been driving buses for ACS since he was a teenager.

Mitch Banner, third from right in the photo above, is the current North Carolina Bus Driver of the Year. Last week, Mitch won the regional Bus “Roadeo” in Boone. Banner will travel to Raleigh later in May to defend his title.

Banner has been a driver for the Avery County Schools since he was 16 years old.

When Banner won his title last year, David Burleson, Superintendent of Avery County Schools, said, “Not only is Mitch one of the finest bus drivers in the history of the Avery County Schools, he is also one of the most dependable and conscience employees we have ever had. We are very proud of Mitch and wish him the very best in the national competition in July.”

Mitch is married to the former Sharon Wood and lives in Linville.