For three Lansing USD 469 graduates, the road to graduation started long before high school — it began at the bus barn. On May 16, Charlie Braunschweig, Irelynn Shields, and Brady MacNeill celebrated graduation after spending much of their childhood growing up around the district’s transportation department, where their parents have dedicated years of service to Lansing students and families. From early mornings before school to afternoons waiting for routes to finish, the transportation department became a second home for these students throughout their PreK-12 journey. Pictured from left to right: Charlie Braunschweig, graduate of Kansas Heartland Virtual Academy, whose parents Sue and Vern Braunschweig both serve as bus drivers for the district. Irelynn Shields, Lansing High School graduate, daughter of Janine Shields, the district’s Route Coordinator. Brady MacNeill, Lansing High School graduate, son of bus driver Rob MacNeill. The Lansing USD 469 transportation team plays an important role in supporting students every day, and this moment was especially meaningful as they watched three students they have known since childhood reach this milestone together. Congratulations to Charlie, Irelynn, and Brady on their graduation, and thank you to the transportation staff members whose care and commitment help keep Lansing students moving forward every day.

From the Bus Barn to Graduation Day: Three Seniors Celebrate a Full-Circle Journey

Lansing USD469

May 18, 2026

For three Lansing USD 469 graduates, the road to graduation started long before high school, it began at the Lansing USD 469 Bus Barn.

On May 16, Charlie Braunschweig, Irelynn Shields, and Brady MacNeill celebrated graduation after spending much of their childhood growing up around the district’s transportation department, where their parents have dedicated years of service to Lansing students and families.

From early mornings before school to afternoons waiting for routes to finish, the transportation department became a second home for these students throughout their PreK-12 journey.

Pictured from left to right:

  • Charlie Braunschweig, graduate of Kansas Heartland Virtual Academy, whose parents Sue and Vern Braunschweig both serve as bus drivers for the district.

  • Irelynn Shields, Lansing High School graduate, daughter of Janine Shields, the district’s Routing Coordinator.

  • Brady MacNeill, Lansing High School graduate, son of bus driver Rob MacNeill.

The Lansing USD 469 transportation team plays an important role in supporting students every day, and this moment was especially meaningful as they watched three students they have known since childhood reach this milestone together.

Congratulations to Charlie, Irelynn, and Brady on their graduation, and thank you to the transportation staff members whose care and commitment help keep Lansing students moving forward every day!