Two school bus drivers for divisions of National Express took the top spots in their state safety competitions this month.

Shawn Sawyer, from Durham School Services, earned first place at the Massachusetts School Bus Driver Safety Competition on May 21. Ross Hamre, from Petermann Bus, won first place at the Ohio School Bus Driver Safety Road-e-o on May 6.

The competitions give school bus drivers the opportunity to put their driving skills to the test with a written exam and driving course. The competitions aim to increase the safety and operational skills of school bus drivers and recognize their driving abilities. Volunteer judges were in attendance to help score the drivers accordingly.

“We’re so proud of Shawn’s accomplishment. It is very well deserved,” said Omar Velazquez, general manager for Durham’s Worchester, Massachusetts, location. “He’s an excellent driver with a focus on safety, and always is determined to be the best driver he can be. This honor shows his amazing dedication to getting our students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn.”

“This is a great accomplishment for any school bus driver, but especially Ross as a newer bus driver. He began driving for the Petermann family back in February of 2016,” said Kathy Moses, general manager of Petermann Bus’ Madeira, Ohio, location. “Ross is an outstanding driver, and represents the rigorous training and commitment to safety that’s instilled in our team members.”

Win their wins, Sawyer and Hamre are set to compete in the 47th Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in July in Indianapolis, Indiana. The international competition is hosted by the National School Transportation Association.

For a list of the top drivers at the 2017 Massachusetts School Bus Driver Safety Competition, go here.

For the top drivers at the 2017 Ohio School Bus Driver Safety Road-e-o, go here.