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Announcing 2026 Special-Needs Driver of the Year Nominations

Honoring the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers transporting students with disabilities, AMF Bruns of America’s ninth annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award closes nominations soon!

February 5, 2026
Promotional graphic for Special-Needs Driver of the Year Award featuring past winner holding $1,000 check; nominations open until Aug. 1

Nominations for the ninth annual award close August 1!

Credit:

AMF Bruns/School Bus Fleet

2 min to read


Every day, school bus drivers on special needs routes go above and beyond to keep riders safe, supported, and seen. Now it’s time to recognize them.

School Bus Fleet has partnered with AMF-Bruns of America for the annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award. 

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Now in its ninth year, this prestigious awards program honors special-needs school bus drivers who go beyond the call of duty and have distinguished themselves through special accomplishments, meritorious and heroic acts, and innovations to improve their jobs.

“Trained drivers play a critical role in safely transporting wheelchair and occupant passengers with special needs,” Maritza Valentin and Jeff Allgire, national account managers at AMF-Bruns of America said. “AMF-Bruns extends appreciation to school bus special-needs drivers for their service.”

What Does the Winner Receive?

  • A $1,000 check
  • A celebration hosted on-site at the winner's district with local media invited
  • Recognition on AMF-Bruns and School Bus Fleet social media
  • A feature article interview on School Bus Fleet, to appear in print and online
  • Recognition at SBFX's award ceremony, Sept. 22, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the opportunity to attend

Who We're Looking For

  • Active school bus drivers transporting students with special needs
  • Employed as a school bus driver for over two years
  • An accident and violation-free record
  • Positive role models and advocates for children with special needs

Previous Winners

  • 2025: Julio Ospina, Wylie ISD, TX
  • 2024: Denise Verzi, Montour School District, PA
  • 2023: Carol Rivera Gaffey, Katonah-Lewisboro School District, NY
  • 2022: Betty Maybee. West Valley School District #208, WA
  • 2021: Debbie Sellers, Osceola County School District, FL
  • 2020: Elaine Hernsberger, Hays CISD, TX
  • 2019: Freddie Phillips, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
  • 2018: Tammy Cummings, Greenville County School System, SC

How to Nominate

If you know a driver who goes above and beyond, nominate them today at amfbrunsamerica.com/support/awards/

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Nominations are due by August 1, 2026.

Psst, looking for an award for general-ed route drivers? Check out the School Bus Driver Hero nomination form here.


Quick Answers

The award honors the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers who transport students with disabilities.

*Summarized by AI

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