BEND, Ore. — The 49th annual Oregon Pupil Transportation Association Summer Conference recognized seven individuals, one posthumously, for their contributions to state and local operations.
A somber cloud hung over the more than 200 conference attendees at the The Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center, as the lunchtime ceremony celebrated the life and accomplishments of Theresa Massey, who died May 1 at the age of 65.
Massey devoted much of her life to the pursuit of knowledge, working as an instructor of reading and study skills at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, while also holding HBDI Certification through Hermann Solutions. Her lifetime of achievements fit into the conference’s theme, The Journey is the Reward.
Massey was presented the OPTA Big Wheel Award for her dedication to teaching school bus trainers the appropriate learning tools to further the abilities of other school bus drivers. Her husband, David, accepted award on her behalf.
Stacey Delgado, of Ashland School District, was named the School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year, an award sponsored by Western Bus Sales, and Connie Lutz of North Clackamas Public Schools, won the School Bus Driver of the Year Award sponsord by Brattain International Bus Sales. Lutz has had zero accidents during her 36-year career behind the wheel.
Nick Scott, lead technician for the night shift at Salem-Keizer Public Schools, won the Golden Wrench Award sponsored by Schetky Northwest Bus Sales. Scott began his career at age 20, and within two years, was promoted to lead technician. Now in his 30s, he has also become an ASE Master Technician.
The Western Bus Sales sponsored Buck Klemm Award went to Stephanie Malherbe, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ special programs field coordinator. She was recognized for her dedication to special needs transportation.
The OPTA Ron Bryan President’s Award went to Earl Pettit, the transportation director, superintendent and athletic director at Monument School District.
Prior to the award ceremony, consultant Barry McCahill discussed issues affecting school transportation, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recent announcement for all school buses to be equipped with lap-shoulder restraints and other regulatory matters, such as driver training. McCahill is a retired acting director of public and consumer affairs at NHTSA.
The other Wednesday workshops focused on such topics as mitigating sexual misconduct on the bus, leadership, seat belts, technology and industry trends.
The trade show is scheduled for Thursday, which follows morning sessions on training adult learners, bus purchase plans and behavioral supports. Roger Neilsen, chief operating officer at Daimler Trucks North America, will close the conference on Friday with the general session, “The Connected Bus: The Impact of the Digital World on Pupil Transportation.”
