The School Transportation Association of Indiana (STAI) recognized outstanding professionals in pupil transportation during its 2026 conference, held June 23-25 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The association also celebrated top performers in its annual Safety Roadeo and Technician Competition, held earlier in June.

The annual awards recognize individuals for their leadership, service, and commitment to student transportation across the state.

Who Won the 2026 STAI Awards?

Richard Pea Award: Zach McKinney, Hamilton Southeastern Schools

Outstanding Service in Pupil Transportation:

• Jamie Cookenour, MSD Wayne Township
• David Tinkle, Triton Central Schools
• Mathew Hostetter, Wa-Nee Community Schools

STAI Above & Beyond Award: Ashley Nichols, Mt. Vernon School Corporation (Posey County)

Safety Roadeo winners

The STAI Safety Roadeo was held June 20 at Brownsburg East Middle School, where school bus drivers demonstrated their driving skills and commitment to safety.

Individual Winners:

• 1st Place: Stephen Ogden, Brownsburg Community School Corporation
• 2nd Place: Nicole Zigler, First Student
• 3rd Place: Nick Whitlow, Avon Community School Corporation

Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Brownsburg (Sean McDonald, Stephen Ogden, Erica Ogden)
• 2nd Place: First Student (Nicole Zigler, Rachelle Winters, Brenda Legg)
• 3rd Place: Avon (Nick Whitlow, Amber Garcia, Tabitha Dyer)

Technician Competition winners

STAI also recognized school bus technicians during its annual Technician Competition, held June 18, honoring participants for their diagnostic and mechanical expertise.

Technician Winners:

• 1st Place: Blake Phebus, Tippecanoe
• 2nd Place: Mark Hopper, MSD Lawrence Township
• 3rd Place: Robert Jones, MSD Lawrence Township

The 2026 STAI Conference brought together Indiana's school transportation professionals for education, networking, and recognition of excellence in safely transporting students statewide.