Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Driving with Alma y Corazón

For nearly two decades, Hugo “Alex” Carrion has started his mornings the same way, greeting students with special needs as they board his bus, many in wheelchairs, some unable to speak, all of them, he says, "angels."

Carrion has been an MCPS bus driver for more than 19 years, faithfully serving Route 1823, which he’s driven since the beginning. Originally from Bolivia, Carrion came to the U.S. at 19 and found his way to Maryland after living in Florida, New York and Connecticut.

“I just love working with these kids,” he says. “They’re special. They can’t always do things for themselves, and I try to bring them joy, even if it’s something small like making them laugh or playing little games.”

The bonds he's formed with students over the years are lasting and profound. He still remembers the names and faces of several children who have since passed away, describing them with the kind of affection one might expect from a family member. “It was crushing. Some of them were really dear to me. But I carry them with me still.”

Carrion’s empathy stems from his personal journey and his cultural roots. While he considers himself “more American now than Bolivian,” he credits his upbringing for his strong sense of community and compassion. “In our culture, we help each other. We support. We give love,” he says.

His compassion doesn’t go unnoticed by those he works with. “Mr. Carrion is a wonderful bus driver who takes pride in his work and cares deeply about his students,” says Steven Wise, depot manager at the Bethesda Depot. “He transports many students who require extra attention and have significant disabilities. Regardless of their ability to communicate, he always makes it a point to connect with them and show compassion. His students respond in a positive way to him.”

Carrion’s service doesn’t end when the school day does. On weekends, he volunteers his time teaching English to newcomers at his local church. “I like to make learning fun. We play games, we laugh and we use new words,” he says. “I just try to make life as easy and joyful as possible for people.”

Before becoming a bus driver, Carrion wore many hats: furniture store owner, culinary school graduate and entrepreneur. But it’s this chapter, his nearly 20 years driving for MCPS, that he calls the most fulfilling.

As Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Latino communities, Carrion stands as a shining example of quiet leadership, heartfelt service and a lifelong commitment to care.

As he nears retirement, hoping to step down next year after completing 20 years of service, he reflects with gratitude. “I’m just a happy person who loves helping others, especially those who can’t always help themselves,” he says. “If I can touch one life, even in a small way, that’s enough for me.”