ANNANDALE, Minn. — Six school bus drivers from around the state were honored for their exemplary service at the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association’s (MSBOA) annual conference last week.

The group gives out its Transportation Specialist Award based on such criteria as years of service, dedication to safety, community service achievements, communication with school staff and letters of recommendation from parents, co-workers, students and school staff.

This year’s winners were:

• Marv Chmelik of Faribault Transportation in Faribault
  

• Cheryl Johnson of Voyageur Bus Co. in Duluth
  

• Deb Niebolte of M & M Bus Service Inc. in Annandale
  

• Yale Pulling of Shubat Transportation in Hibbing
  

• Dorothy Sorenson of Lake Crystal School Bus Service Inc. in Lake Crystal
  

• Marv Ziner of Vision of Elk River, Inc. in Elk River

  In addition to winning the award, a $1,000 check was given in each driver’s name to a scholarship fund for deserving youth in the school districts they serve.