On Sept. 9, the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced the winners of its 2024 Awards Program. All were honored at the NAPT® Annual Conference & Trade Show (ACTS) event, going on Oct. 4-8 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
They are:
Several school bus operators are honored this year for their service and work in driver training and safety, continuing education, and special needs transportation.

Each winner will be honored in person at the association's annual conference in Oklahoma.
Photo: SBF/Canva
On Sept. 9, the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced the winners of its 2024 Awards Program. All were honored at the NAPT® Annual Conference & Trade Show (ACTS) event, going on Oct. 4-8 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
They are:
Distinguished Service Award Winner: Adam Johnson, CDPT, executive director of Transportation at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (N.C.)
Continuing Education Award: Jennifer Gardella, CSPT, director of transportation at Rockwall ISD (Texas)
School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award: Danielle Bedsaul, supervisor of transportation at Harford County Public Schools (Md.)
Special Needs Transportation Award: Cathy Poole, special needs bus supervisor at Greenville County Schools (S.C.)
Acie Holland III, an 8th grade student from Glendale-River Hills School District, also won the Heroism Award for steering the bus to safety when the driver went unconscious.
The NAPT® Awards Program is designed to honor pupil transportation professionals, at every level, the association said.

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