The Minnesota School Bus Operators Association (MSBOA) gave out multiple awards during its annual summer conference on earlier this month in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Mike Krois was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the MSBOA Board of Directors and his active involvement with the Minnesota School Bus Roadeo. The award honors current or past MSBOA members who have dedicated their lives to the to the school bus industry and safety of children in Minnesota.
The Jim DeVeau Award went to Tom Hey, current secretary/treasurer for the MSBOA. Hey, along with his brother Jim, operate Southwest Coaches in Marshall, Minnesota. He has also served as MSBOA president and board member in the past.
“Tom is always ready to voice his thoughts on industry concerns and pushes others to find the safest way to transport students,” said the MSBOA in a statement.
The Jim DeVeau Award recognizes the efforts of individuals who “have worked to shape the MSBOA and the school bus industry as a whole.”
Also, six school bus drivers were honored with the Transportation Specialist Award. The winners were nominated by their supervisors for exemplifying “the best of the best” in student transportation. The applications were judged by the Minnesota Office of Pupil Transportation Safety. Criteria for this award includes years of service, community involvement and letters of recommendation from coworkers, parents, students and school staff. The school districts that employ the winners received $1,000 toward a scholarship fund to benefit deserving students.
The winning drivers were:
Steve Forsberg, Faribault Transportation, Faribault, MN
Andy Skwira, Trobec’s Bus Service, St. Stephen, MN
Ken Albers, Spanier Bus Service, St. Cloud, MN
Bruce McKeever, M & M Bus Service, Inc., Maple Lake, MN
Ken Sallman, Vision of Elk River, Inc., Elk River, MN
Teddy Moore, Voyageur Bus Service, Duluth, MN
