The Bremerton School District school year started Sept. 1. It is with a heavy heart that we collectively recognize that one less bright light will be among those who serve our kids and our community in the coming year. On Aug. 17 we lost Meredith Myers.

Meredith was so much more than just a bus driver for the school district. Meredith gave so much of her time to the kids and to this community that she made me look like a slacker. I had the extreme pleasure of serving with Meredith on the Bremerton School District Finance Committee. Our committee was convened rather late in the year. We were so far behind. Our small but efficient group had only six months to complete nearly a year’s worth of work. We did it and Meredith was a driving force that helped to keep us all focused and on track. She knew the district’s transportation department like the back of her hand and used that knowledge to educate those of us who did not.

I knew that she also served on a parking/traffic board for the Kitsap County Fair. Because of the conflicting meeting times between the two organizations, she had to give up her position on the district Finance Committee this past year. Her true commitment to everything she did was reflected in the fact that she did not step down from the committee until she had a replacement lined up and ready to go. Meredith met all of her challenges and obligations head on. What you saw was exactly what you got. She was never afraid to give her honest opinion to anyone. It was straight forward and refreshing even when you did not agree.

Meredith was respected and loved by this community because she actually lived what she believed. She put her time and effort where her mouth was. She did not enjoy performing any of her services for the spotlight. In fact I laugh right now, because she would most likely be kicking me around for writing all of this great stuff about her and thus drawing public attention to her good works.

Meredith served her community because she believed in it. Her service should inspire you like it has me. Honor her and people like her by stepping up your community involvement and commitment. Losing her leaves a very big hole to fill.

We will miss you, Meredith.