AUSTIN, Texas — Betty Nelson of Dean Transportation, a United Motorcoach Association (UMA) member based in Lansing, Michigan, earned first place in the Conventional Bus (Type C) category at the 51st School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, hosted by the National School Transportation Association (NSTA).
Nelson, who is the first Michigan driver to win the category in 24 years, was shocked by her win. The competition involved taking a 50-question written test and navigating an obstacle course to outdo the other drivers.
“Everybody at the table, their heads snapped, looking at me, and jaws dropped,” Nelson told WZZM. “My husband stood up and started hooting, and I started bawling.”
The event, held June 28–29 and presented by Beacon Mobility, drew 53 top drivers from across the U.S. and Canada. Competitors qualified by winning or placing in state or provincial safety contests and faced a written exam and a demanding behind-the-wheel skills evaluation at the Hays Consolidated Independent School District transportation facility in Uhland, Texas, about 25 miles south of Austin.
Nelson was recognized Sunday evening during an awards banquet at the Austin Marriott Downtown, where NSTA President Dan Kobussen — owner of Kobussen Buses Ltd. in Wisconsin and also a UMA member — presented plaques and certificates to all participants.
“This respected event gives school bus drivers from across North America the chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while competing to be the best in their field,” Kobussen said.
The competition also awarded the Bill Loshbough Grand Champion Award to Brian Brickmann of the Beaverton School District in Oregon for achieving the highest overall score.
The competition celebrates the dedication and professionalism of school bus drivers.
