The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) presented its annual awards to recognize outstanding industry professionals in a dinner ceremony on Tuesday, as part of the NSTA’s annual dinner meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“We are very proud of the dedication and commitment this year’s honorees have displayed to the industry. Each, in their own way, has left a lasting contribution on the school transportation industry and we commend them for their efforts,” said Todd Monteferrario, NSTA president, last week.
The Golden Merit Award is given to individuals who demonstrate excellence in service, safety and community responsibility. Recipients include:
Rafael Bolanos, Rosemead, California, Durham School Services
Teresa Cole, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, First Student, Inc.
Denise Foote, Woodstown, New Jersey, B.R. Williams
Karen L. Jones, Pasadena, Maryland, Wilson’s Bus Service, Inc.
Randall E. Jubb, Glen Burnie, Maryland, Jubb’s Bus Service
Rob Nelson, North Prairie, Wisconsin, Dousman Transport Co.
Kevin Rhine, Midwest, Illinois, Durham School Services
Patti Royce-Moser, Amityville, New York, Educational Bus Transportation, Inc.
Donald Sinke, Lansing, Michigan, Dean Transportation
Mike Sloan, San Francisco, California, First Student, Inc.
Greg Walter, Ontario, Canada, Landmark Student Transportation
Joanne Waterhouse, Salem, New Hampshire, First Student, Inc.
Rick Wolff, Kingston, New York, Ethan Allen Transportation
This year’s recipient of the Thomas Built Buses Continuing Education Grant was Jessica McMillion of Wilson’s Bus Service, Inc. in Pasadena, MD. The award is given to a member contractor or their staff in order to pursue continuing education.
Bruce Chamberlin of M&M Bus Service in Annandale, Minnesota and Tiesha Donner of First Student, Inc. in Jefferson City, Missouri received the Outstanding Driver Service Award in recognition of their safety performance and commitment to excellence.
NSTA’s Green School Bus Fleet Certification Program is given to NSTA members for their efforts towards a cleaner environment. The award is endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus USA Program. The levels of certification are platinum, gold, silver and bronze. These depend on the level of fleet reduction in particulate matter. This year’s recipients include:
Platinum
Gold
Silver Level
Cook-Illinois Corporation from Oak Brook, Illinois was this year’s winner of the Go Yellow, Go Green Award, which recognizes initiative and commitment to addressing environmental concerns in a positive manner.
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes the efforts of individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment to pupil transportation. This year’s winner was Jim Folkes of Krapf Bus Companies in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Gary Catapano of First Student, Inc. was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for contributions to pupil transportation contracting.
The winner of the Meritorious Service Award was Ron Kinney of QET Management Services in Elk Grove, California in recognition of “unparalleled vision, support, and leadership toward improving pupil transportation safety, the promotion of NSTA and the school bus industry.”
