CINCINNATI — Fifteen drivers from First Student, the nation’s leader in student transportation, have qualified to compete at the National School Transportation Association’s 40th annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition July 24-25 in St. Louis, Mo. Each driver qualified by scoring high marks at local competitions. The drivers will compete in a driving skills challenge as well as a written test with school bus drivers from across North America to determine the 2010 winner.
“Each day, these drivers understand the tremendous responsibility they have to safely transport children,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student. “It is great to see them have a chance to showcase their driving skills and be recognized for their hard work and dedication to safety.”
The competition recognizes drivers in both traditional school bus and transit-style school bus categories. The First Student drivers competing in this year’s competition are:
- Julie Altman, Fairview, Ore.
- Hannah Beard, Ballwin, Mo.
- Tracy Brown, Grand Junction, Colo.
- Ron Bruggemann, Valley Park, Mo.
- Cheryl Cabral, Merrimack, N.H.
- Laurette Cillo, Merrimack, N.H.
- Dodo Freerksen, Rimbley, Alberta
- Ray Goodwin, Cheimsford, Mass.
- Debra Kay L’Abbe, Wonder Lake, Ill.
- Tina McKinney, Oregon City, Ore.
- Michael Murray, Walden, N.Y.
- Arlen Sanden, Erie, Pa.
- Michelle Schurz, Grand Junction, Colo.
- Deb Spruytte, Olathe, Kan.
- Stephen Verrecchio, Siklerville, N.J.
About First Student
First Student, Inc., a part of Cincinnati-based FirstGroup America, is the leader in safe, reliable, sustainable transportation and is the largest provider of student transportation services in North America. FirstGroup America was recently awarded the National Safety Council’s 2009 Green Cross for Safety Medal in recognition of its commitment to safety and outstanding safety record. First Student safely transports approximately six million students with a fleet of approximately 60,000 yellow school buses in North America. For more information, please visit www.firststudentinc.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FirstGrpAmerica.
