The Iowa Pupil Transportation Association (IPTA) presented its annual awards at its 61^st conference in Des Moines on July 15, 2025. 

Tom Horn Memorial Award

Awarded to Brad Evanson, Lake Mills Community School

Evanson has 45 years of service, including 37 years as transportation director. This award is presented annually to an IPTA member who has exhibited exemplary leaderships and service.

Holly Hoglund Klein Iowa Woman in Transportation Award

Awarded to Anna Carlson, Mt. Pleasant Community School District

Carlson was noted as one of the most hardworking individuals, who goes above and beyond in her duties to make sure everyone’s needs are met. When she’s not driving, Carlson is assistant to the director of transportation and organizes fundraisers and trips for students with special needs.

This award is intended to recognize an Iowa woman in transportation who demonstrates outstanding performance in the school transportation industry. 

Heroism Award

Awarded to Justin Hutton, Bondurant-Farrar Community School District

This award recognizes acts of heroism in the school transportation industry. Those eligible for nomination include any person who is either directly or indirectly involved with saving a life or lives. 

Mary Jo Hetrick, Bondurant-Farrar’s director of transportation, presented the award, explaining: “On the morning of March 7, 2025, our driver demonstrated vigilance, quick thinking to protect one of our students.” During his route, he noticed an SUV following the bus and assumed it was someone who had missed an earlier pickup at one of the next stops. An adult exited the SUV, called for the student, and identified themselves as the student's mother. Sensing something wasn't right, Justin immediately radioed for help, provided the sheriff's department with key details. Thanks to Justin's quick response, law enforcement located the vehicle within minutes and ensured the student's safety. It was later confirmed that the individual was the non-custodial parent who lived out of state. Throughout the situation, Justin remained calm and reassured the other students in the bus that everything was going to be OK. As bus drivers, it's difficult to know every student's family situation, but Justin's instincts and dedication to student safety guided his actions his response made all the difference.”

Longevity Service Award

Two individuals were honored with the longevity award this year.

Tom Lyons of Washington Community Schools received the award posthumously for his 30 years of service and community contributions. He passed away on January 11, 2025. Lyons was not only a bus driver, but he also opened several local businesses, including a bakery and an appliance repair shop, and was involved in community theater, the choral society, Kiwanis, and his church. “Tom was one of those guys that just couldn't retire,” Woody Harden, IPTA board VP said. Lyon’s wife Mary Gail accepted the award on her late husband’s behalf.

Tim Roth also received the award. He recently retired after 47 years as Bellevue Community Schools' transportation director and was praised for his leadership and community involvement. 

The IPTA Longevity Service Award recognizes a retiring school bus driver who has performed extraordinary years of service and exemplary dedication to the community and students on behalf of their school district.