For 50 years, Jane "Mrs. V" Vieira was the first and last adult many SouthCoast school children saw going to and coming home from school.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, Westport Community Schools recognized Vieira for her half century of service during that night's School Committee meeting, presenting her with gifts and flowers.

"She really doesn't know why she's here," said Westport Community Schools Business Manager/Transportation Director Michelle Rapoza as she introduced her that evening.

Vieira had been the bus driver for Rapoza's daughter about 32 years ago, "and then she drove bus for my other two children after that, and ended with my grandson," Rapoza said.

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