BEATRICE – A brand new activities bus arrived at the Beatrice High School parking lot, Wednesday.

The new vehicle is decked out in Orangemen and Lady Orange logos and a big “O”…using a combination of gray, orange and black colors.

BHS Assistant Principal Philip Voigt says the vehicle can serve as a source of pride for students.

"We wanted to have students have an identity...to be excited about themselves as they arrived.  That's something to be proud of, having that Lady Orange and Orangemen pride when you roll into an opponents place.  It arrived just in time for sports season and activities.  We'd like so see it used for all kinds of different things in our school system", Voigt said.

Students were getting a first chance to see the new bus as they were leaving classes today.

The bus, manufactured by Blue Bird Corporation, is being purchased through school district funds, a $42,000 grant from the Margaret and Martha Thomas Foundation, and from money in a legal settlement with school districts.  It replaces a 1998, 54-student capacity bus, and features more comfortable seating and space for longer trips.

Voigt said, "having the school bus wrapped and decorated, it's a little bit better when it comes to charter buses where the repair bills are quite high.  We wanted to look at the way we could be wise about how we are spending our money, but at the same time have that enjoyment and excitement....and not just rolling up in a school bus".

The bus was delivered just in time for the fall activities season.  Wednesday was the first full day of school at Beatrice Public Schools, for grades ten through twelve.