The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) recently hosted its 2025 NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention (AMC) at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, bringing together members from across the nation for a comprehensive three-day program. 

The convention featured presentations highlighting key industry trends and topics and a vendor speed networking session that enabled contractor members to connect with industry service providers and bus manufacturers. We also spent time understanding the vital role that the area in and around Boston played in the initial stages of what became the Revolutionary War.

Sessions at AMC covered a wide range of topics, from tariffs and OEM panels to the integration of artificial intelligence in student transportation. These discussions offered attendees insights into emerging trends, operational strategies, and potential challenges facing school bus contractors. By exploring these issues in depth, NSTA enabled its members to leave the convention with actionable knowledge that can be applied to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in their own operations. 

With Boston as the historic host city, it was only fitting that the convention included a touch of history. In addition to technical sessions, attendees enjoyed engaging presentations from the Massachusetts Historical Society and MA 250, a state organization created to highlight the Commonwealth’s role in the American Revolution. These two speakers highlighted Boston’s rich past and the pivotal events that helped shape the nation we know today. 

Reflecting on the overall event, NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn highlighted the event’s wide-ranging impact. “This year’s convention provided members with valuable insights into industry trends, opportunities to connect with peers and vendor partners, and a chance to engage with the history and future of student transportation,” he said. “We’re proud of the collaboration, learning, and innovation that took place over these three days and look forward to building on this momentum as we head into 2026.” 

Each year, NSTA presents a range of awards that recognize excellence, leadership, and innovation across the student transportation industry. These awards serve as a meaningful recognition of the dedication, expertise, and leadership within the student transportation community, highlighting the achievements of individuals and organizations that set the standard for safety, service, and innovation. For NSTA members, the awards offer more than prestige — they provide tangible examples of best practices, inspire professional growth, and reinforce the value of collaboration across the industry. By celebrating excellence in drivers, contractors, committee leaders, vendors, and innovators, the awards underscore NSTA’s commitment to supporting its members in delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation for students. They foster a sense of pride and community, reminding members that their hard work and commitment to the profession are acknowledged and appreciated at both the local and national levels.

The Golden Merit Award, established in 1969, honors outstanding service, safety, and community responsibility, setting a high standard for industry professionals. The 2025 Golden Merit Award recipients include Kevin Kilner (Beacon Mobility), Glenn Brayman (First Student), Melissa Castle (Mid-Columbia Bus Company), Michelle Harpenau (Durham School Services), David Kinley (Student Transportation of America), and Barbie Stucker (Big Sky Bus Lines). The Outstanding Driver Service Award, created in 2002, highlights exemplary school bus drivers who serve as role models in their communities while maintaining exceptional safety records. The 2025 Outstanding Driver Service Award recipients include Kilra Hylton (Transaction Associates), Duane Versteegh (School Bus Inc.), Jeffery Flitcraft (B.R. Williams), Linda Caudillo (Mid-Columbia Bus Company), and Becky Williams (Dousman Transport Company). 

In recognition of the growing importance of environmental responsibility, the Go Yellow, Go Green Award celebrates leaders who promote school buses as an environmentally sound solution, reducing vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. The 2025 Go Yellow, Go Green award recipient is First Student with the award being accepted by Kevin Matthews, First Student’s director of electrification.

The association also acknowledges its internal leaders through the Committee Member of the Year Award, introduced in 2023, which honors committee members who go above and beyond in their contributions, and the Committee Chair of the Year Award, presented by the NSTA Executive Committee to those demonstrating outstanding leadership in guiding committee initiatives. The recipient of the 2025 Committee Member of the Year Award is Tim Weaverling of Keystone-RWR, and the recipient of the 2025 Committee Chair of the Year Award was John Benajamin of Benjamin Buses (Northfield, MN). 

NSTA’s partnerships with vendors and industry partners are recognized through the Vendor Partner of the Year Award. This award celebrates active participation, financial support, and industry expertise. The 2025 Vendor Partner of the Year was awarded to Wells Fargo Equipment Finance and Lee Edwards. Similarly, the Innovator Award highlights tangible contributions in technology, operations, safety, and green energy. The 2025 Innovator Award recipient is Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility. 

The Contractor of the Year Award honors a contractor member company for exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to their employees. The 2025 Contractor of the Year was awarded to Suffolk Transportation of Bay Shore, NY. 

NSTA also honored individuals with the Distinguished Service Award. This honor was established in 1992, and it recognizes school bus professionals who have made substantial and lasting contributions to student transportation. 2025 Distinguished Service Awards were given to Paul Mori of Beacon Mobility, and Susan Rady of Johnson School Buses. 

Finally, the NSTA Hall of Fame was created in 1992, and it recognizes excellence in long-term efforts on behalf of the pupil transportation industry. The 2025 Hall of Fame inductee was NSTA Immediate Past President Carina Noble of Durham School Services. Noble currently serves as Government Relations Committee co-chair. 

Together, these awards reflect NSTA’s commitment to celebrating achievements across all aspects of the school transportation industry, from individual drivers and committee leaders to contractors, vendors, and innovators shaping the future of safe, efficient, and sustainable student transportation. 

At the awards and installation dinner, outgoing NSTA President Dan Kobussen thanked the honorees for their lasting impact. “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s award recipients — their dedication has had a lasting impact on both NSTA and the broader student transportation industry,” he said. “We’re grateful for their commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and efficient school transportation, and I want to personally congratulate all the winners.”