PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The National School Transportation Association presented annual industry awards honoring those who have achieved a level of excellence from all facets of the industry at the NSTA’s Awards Reception and Banquet.
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The awards were bestowed on July 24 as a part of NSTA’s Annual Meeting and Convention.
“The National School Transportation Association is honored to recognize the 2018 award recipients, which epitomizes what NSTA is all about—serving our school transportation industry. The 2018 award winners are recognized for their dedication and commitment to the industry,” announced NSTA President Blake Krapf.
The 2018 National School Transportation Association awards and recipients include:
- Golden Merit Award: Recognizes excellence in the industry in service, safety and community responsibility. The award recipients include: Willie Spence, of Krapf School Bus, in West Chester, Pa. and Gary Remster of B.R. Williams, Inc., in Woodstown, New Jersey.
- Outstanding Driver Service Award: Given to school bus drivers who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance and a commitment to excellence. This year’s recipient was James Larry of Mountain Valley Transportation, Roanoke, Virginia.
- Hall of Fame Award: Recognizes excellence in long-term efforts on behalf of pupil transportation. The 2018 award recipient was Tim Flood of The Trans Group in Spring Valley, New York.
- Meritorious Service Award: Recognizes individuals who have displayed unparalleled vision, support and leadership toward improving school transportation, the promotion of NSTA and the school bus industry. For 2018, NSTA honored Tim Weaverling of the Keystone Insurers Group and Reed, Wertz & Roadman, Inc., of Bedford, Pennsylvania.
- Contractor of Year Award: Presented to a contractor who has demonstrated an outstanding ability in improving the operations and management of their companies. This contractor has made significant contributions to promote contracting at the national or state level. The 2018 award recipient was Michael Tornabe of Logan Bus Co. Inc. & Affiliates in Ozone Park, New York. The Contractor of the Year Award was presented by School Bus Fleet Magazine.
- Outstanding School Transportation Administrator Award: Recognizes school transportation administrators who share our commitment to the safe transportation of our nation’s school children. The 2018 recipient of this award was Joanne Yarnall of West Chester Area School District, in West Chester, Pa.
- Distinguished Service Award: Recognizes special contributions made to pupil transportation contracting. The 2018 winner for this award was Bob Pape of Dell Transportation, in Port Washington, New York.
- Thomas Built Buses, Inc. Continuing Education & Professional Growth Grant: Presented to a member contractor or staff to support continuing education. The 2018 award recipient was Robyn Legan of Dousman Transport Co., Inc., in Delavan, Wisconsin.
- Green School Bus Fleet Certification Program: Recognizes NSTA members for their efforts in working toward a cleaner environment. This award has been reviewed and is endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus USA Program. The certification levels to be awarded are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze, depending on the level of fleet reduction in particulate matter.
—Gold: Krapf School Bus, Palisades School District, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania
—Silver Level: Kobussen Buses Ltd., School Bus Division, Kaukauna, Wisconsin
