The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) celebrated outstanding achievements in the private school transportation sector on July 23 during its annual Awards and Installation Dinner.
The event was held at the JW Marriott in Nashville as part of the 2024 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention. The honorees, representing various facets of private school transportation operations, were recognized for their continued excellence and contributions to the industry.
“This group of winners has made significant contributions to both NSTA and the student transportation industry, ” says NSTA President Dan Kobussen. “We appreciate their dedication to safe and efficient pupil transportation.”
The 2024 NSTA award recipients include:
- Golden Merit Award: Recognizing excellence in service, safety, and community responsibility. This year’s recipients are Shawn Albright (First Student), Brent Carpenter (Brown Bus Company), PJ Koveloski (Irvin Raphael Inc.), Norm Stableford (Landmark Student Transportation), Gregg Stinson (Student Transportation of America), Brigden Summers (First Student), and Carmen Tomeo (WE Transport).
- Go Yellow, Go Green: Awarded to leaders in the school bus industry for their commitment to environmental responsibility. The 2024 recipients are Cook-Illinois Corp., of Oak Brook, Illinois, and Student Transportation of America, of Wall Township, New Jersey.
- Committee Member of the Year: Recognizing long-standing dedication and support as a member of an NSTA standing committee. This year’s award goes to Keith Galloway of Student Transportation of America (Wall Township, New Jersey).
- Committee Chair of the Year: Honoring leadership and dedication in committee activities. The 2024 award recipient is Kellie Dean, of Dean Transportation (Lansing, Michigan).
- Vendor Partner of the Year: Awarded to an NSTA vendor partner for commitment to the organization. This year’s recipient is Transfinder (Schenectady, New York).
- Contractor of the Year Award: Recognizing service excellence, company culture, and leadership. The 2024 award goes to Palmer Bus Service, of North Mankato, Minnesota.
- Outstanding Driver Service Award: Honoring school bus drivers for exemplary safety performance and a commitment to excellence. The 2024 recipients are Wing Hang Chiu (Dell Transportation), Kathy Kapsy (Dousman Transport Company), Laura Sedlock (Tri County Transportation), Joan Shank (Shultz Transportation), and Frank Shepard (First Student).
- NSTA Hall of Fame: Inducting individuals who have demonstrated long-term excellence in the student transportation industry. The 2024 inductees are Bart Marksohn of WE Transport (Plainview, New York) and Patrick Vaughn of Student Transportation of America (Wall Township, New Jersey).
“I’d like to congratulate this year’s award winners and recognize their efforts on behalf of student transportation around the country,” said NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn. “We look forward to launching our nomination process again in January 2025 in support of next year’s awards program.”
Related: NSTA announces winners of 50th School Bus Driver International Safety Competition
