First Student drivers to test skills in safety competition

CINCINNATI — Fifteen drivers from First Student have qualified to compete in the National School Transportation Association’s 40th Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition July 24 and 25 in St. Louis.

Each driver qualified by scoring high marks at local competitions. The drivers will compete with others from across North America in a driving skills challenge and complete a written test to determine the winner.

“Each day, these drivers understand the tremendous responsibility they have to safely transport children,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student. “It is great to see them have a chance to showcase their driving skills and be recognized for their hard work and dedication to safety.”

The competition recognizes drivers in conventional, transit and small bus categories. The First Student drivers participating in this year’s competition are:

Julie Altman — Fairview, Ore.                                  
Hannah Beard — Ballwin, Mo.
Tracy Brown — Grand Junction, Colo.                    
Ron Bruggemann — Valley Park, Mo.
Cheryl Cabral — Merrimack, NH                              
Laurette Cillo — Merrimack, N.H.
Dodo Freerksen — Rimbley, Alberta                       
Ray Goodwin — Cheimsford, Mass.
Debra Kay L’Abbe — Wonder Lake, Ill.                    
Tina McKinney — Oregon City, Ore.
Michael Murray — Walden, N.Y.                               
Arlen Sanden — Erie, Pa.
Michelle Schurz — Grand Junction, Colo.               
Deb Spruytte — Olathe, Kan.
Stephen Verrecchio — Siklerville, N.J.