Top contractors honored at NSTA's annual meeting in nation's capital

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) announced its 2005 award winners at its 41st annual meeting, held July 16 to 20 in the nation's capital. Here's a list of the honorees:

Golden Merit Award - Pam Capuano, Durham School Services, Stratford, Conn.; Steve Laputka, Durham School Services, Philadelphia; Carolyn D. Neder, G&G Bus Service Inc., Florida, N.Y.; Southwest Coaches Inc., Jim and Tom Hey, Marshall, Minn.; James (Jimmy) Wilson, R.E. Wilson & Sons Inc., Crownsville, Md.

Hall of Fame Award - Dale N. Krapf, Krapf Bus Companies, Exton, Pa.

Distinguished Service Award — Donald Fowler, Fowler Bus Co. Inc., Richmond, Mo.; Dennis P. Hammell (posthumous), First Student Inc., Lafayette, N.J.

Thomas Built Buses Continuing Education and Professional Growth Grant - Lisa Burd, Dousman Transport Co., Dousman, Wis.

Outstanding Driver Service Award - Jan VandenHeuvel, Kobussen Buses Ltd., Kaukauna, Wis.

SCHOOL BUS FLEET Contractor of the Year - Michael Ely, Scholastic Bus Co., Hillsdale, N.J.