Today we celebrate getting kids to school. Gertrude the Bus was O’Neal’s first “transporter” for students. It was a unique acquisition by founding trustee and parent Jim Van Camp.  He and his daughters were driving it to Southern Pines after purchasing it in Troy and discovered it had no brakes. From that point on, there were so many memorable stories from students of journeys taken. Gertrude the Bus had a significant role with student life at O’Neal in the early days. Apparently, in addition to no brakes, Gertrude had no air conditioning or heat.