Last week marked Bus Driver Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who safely transport students to and from school each day. It was the perfect moment for the Special Education Foundation to surprise Titus Cothrine—known to all as "Mr. T"— at Arrowpoint Elementary in the Hazelwood School District and inform him he will be honored at the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards on Thursday, June 12th at The Reverie in Chesterfield, MO.
Mr. T has spent more than 20 years behind the wheel of a school bus, with the past 8 years serving the Hazelwood community. Each year, he intentionally chooses the same route, believing that his students deserve consistency and a friendly face they can count on.
Titus “Mr. T” Cothrine: Bus Driver, Arrowpoint Elementary School Hazelwood School District
Nominated by Arrowpoint Principal Dr. Carletta Washington, Mr. T was recognized not just for his reliability, but for his genuine compassion and positive influence.
"He truly cares about his students and their future," Dr. Washington wrote. In one instance, Mr. T joined a conversation with a student about his bus behavior, not to reprimand, but to uplift. He praised the student’s good choices and encouraged him to be a leader for the younger kids on the bus. Mr. T even spoke directly with the student's mother to reinforce his willingness to support her son.
Mr. T also steps up when others can’t—voluntarily driving two busloads of students home during staff shortages to make sure no child is left waiting. These efforts don’t go unnoticed; families are consistently grateful for his reliability and care.
Cothrine with Arrowpoint Principal, Transportation team, and District staff
Cothrine with Arrowpoint Principal and the Transportation team
Cothrine with SEF staff
The Starfish Awards honor those who create meaningful change through seemingly small but deeply impactful actions, just like the story of the person saving starfish one by one.
Mr. T brings the Starfish story to life each day by being a steady, positive influence, shaping his students’ journeys through every interaction, every mile, and every moment of encouragement.
Celebrate Mr. T and Other Award Winners at The Reverie on June 12th
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, where we’ll honor Mr. T and other incredible educators and staff who are making a lasting impact on students with disabilities throughout St. Louis County.
For more information about the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, contact SEF Events Manager Jill Salinas jill@sef-stl.org | 865.405.4420
