Today, the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced the recipients of it 2026 awards.

Five individuals are recognized for their service, leadership, courage, and commitment to student transportation.

They are:

• Distinguished Service Award: Susan Shutrump, retired OT/PT Specialist, Owner of Sue Shutrump Consulting and Co-Chair of NAPT’s Special Needs Advisory Committee (OH)
• Continuing Education Award: Angela Renz, CSPT, Northeast & Southeast Quadrant Manager, Metro Nashville Public Schools (TN)
• Heroism Award: Jeff Hall, School Bus Driver, Dickson County Schools (TN), posthumously
• School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award: Dennis Murphy, Training and Safety Officer, Greenville County Schools (SC)
• Special Needs Transportation Award: Pamela Kelley, Transportation Administrative Assistant, Spartanburg School District Six (SC)

“Some of the most extraordinary people in student transportation are not the people who will ever ask to be recognized,” added Jared Richmond, CDPT (MO), chair of the NAPT Awards committee. “They are simply doing the work every day, serving students, supporting colleagues, improving their operations, and strengthening our profession. It takes someone else to notice that impact and taking the time to tell their story. When we elevate deserving individuals through recognition, we ultimately elevate the entire student transportation profession.”

“Behind every safe ride, strong transportation operation and advancement in our profession are people who have chosen to lead, learn, serve and act,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE, NAPT executive director and CEO. “Our national awards give us the opportunity to tell their stories and say, as a profession, that their work matters. We look forward to bringing our community together at ACTS to celebrate these five remarkable individuals and the example they set for all of us... These awards belong to the recipients, but the recognition extends far beyond five individuals,” Hewitt said. “When colleagues come together to celebrate someone who has made a difference, we reinforce what our profession values and inspire others to see what is possible.”

The 2026 recipients will be recognized during the NAPT Awards celebration on Sunday, October 4, as part of NAPT ACTS 2026, taking place October 3–7 in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Behind every safe ride, strong transportation operation and advancement in our profession are people who have chosen to lead, learn, serve and act,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE, NAPT executive director and CEO. “Our national awards give us the opportunity to tell their stories and say, as a profession, that their work matters. We look forward to bringing our community together at ACTS to celebrate these five remarkable individuals and the example they set for all of us... These awards belong to the recipients, but the recognition extends far beyond five individuals,” Hewitt said. “When colleagues come together to celebrate someone who has made a difference, we reinforce what our profession values and inspire others to see what is possible.”

NAPT asks members to begin thinking now about the individuals within their own organizations, states, and professional networks whose contributions deserve to be recognized when nominations open for the 2027 awards.