CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Circleville City Schools is saying goodbye to a familiar and beloved face as longtime bus driver Vera “Meme” Carle retires after more than four decades of service.
Known affectionately as “Meme” by students, families, and coworkers, Carle has spent years transporting generations of children safely to and from school—often treating them like her own family. Her nickname stuck not only because she drove her own grandchildren on her route, but because of the care and connection she built with every child she encountered.
Colleagues say Carle’s dedication went far beyond the typical expectations of a bus driver.
“She’s just an inspiration and a great woman—not only a bus driver, but like a mom and grandma to everyone and the students,” one fellow driver said. “She literally made her route to each student’s door to make sure they got to school safely. She went above and beyond every day.”
Carle’s career spanned multiple districts, beginning with Miami Trace schools before moving to Westfall and Brooks-Yates. She eventually joined Circleville City Schools in 2007, where she became a staple on the north end of the district.
For years, families could count on seeing Carle behind the wheel, ensuring students made it to school safely—and checking in on them along the way.
As she takes her final route, the community is encouraged to show appreciation with a wave or a honk in recognition of her years of service and impact.
Her legacy, many say, will live on in the countless students she cared for and the generations of families she helped along the way. IF you have a story about Vera kindly share it in the comments as im sure she will see it.
