NAPT awards highlight heroism, training efforts
Honorees include special-needs transportation expert Kala Henkensiefken and school bus driver Alice Bradley, who was credited with thwarting a potential school shooting.
Kala Henkensiefken of Brainerd (Minn.) Public Schools won NAPT’s Special Needs Transportation Award. She is seen here with Bud Fears (left) of Q’Straint/Sure-Lok, the award sponsor, and Minnesota state director Brian Reu, who nominated Henkensiefken.
RICHMOND, Virginia — Honors for heroism, training efforts and leadership have been handed out during the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit here over the past few days.
Here are the NAPT 2015 award winners:
The Continuing Education Award, sponsored by Thomas Built Buses, went to Bryan Johnson of Howard County Public Schools in Maryland and Rhonda Watson of the School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina.
The Special Needs Transportation Award, sponsored by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok, went to Kala Henkensiefken of Brainerd (Minn.) Public Schools.
Winning the School Bus Driver Training Award, sponsored by IC Bus, was Mark Lindstrom of Marietta (Ga.) City Schools.
The Heroism Award, sponsored by Blue Bird Corp., went to Macon County (N.C.) Schools bus driver Alice Bradley, who was credited with thwarting a potential school shooting in June.
The NAPT awards committee is composed of Theresa Anderson, chair; Jerry Milliken, co-chair; Marisa Weisinger; and Chris Ellison.
Other awards presented during the Summit included School Bus Fleet’s Administrator of the Year honor, which went to Pam McDonald of Orange (Calif.) Unified School District.
Also, Charmane White of Albemarle County (Va.) Public Schools won STN's Leadership Award.
More Management
What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer
Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.
Read More →
School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities
Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.
Read More →
Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit
Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.
Read More →
EverDriven Debuts TripCentral as New District Transportation Portal
The new transportation management hub takes over the district portal to power trip planning, operations, visibility, and intelligence for school district transportation needs.
Read More →
Lessons Learned from 4 Decades in Transportation: 5 Questions with Craig Beaver
Sit down with longtime transportation leader Craig Beaver moments before he retires, as he reflects on his career leading up to his role at Beaverton School District in Oregon and the secrets to leading great teams.
Read More →
BusRight Honors Texas Driver With Inaugural Behind The Wheel Award
Selected from more than 300 nominations, Lawson Crook earned BusRight’s inaugural award for his dedication to students and safety.
Read More →
Craig Beaver’s Final Stop: Lessons from 43 Years in Transportation
After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District director Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership
After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District admin Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next.
Read More →
ASTP's Tod Eskra Named an Entrepreneur of the Year
The award from Ernst & Young honors visionary leadership behind one of America's fastest-growing student transportation contracting companies.
Read More →
Drivers and Technicians: Help Benchmark Today's School Bus Manufacturers
If you've spent time behind the wheel or under the hood, we want to hear your perspective on the buses you know best.
Read More →