The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) recognized excellence in the private school transportation industry last month during its 2024 annual meeting in Nashville. 

Honorees represent all facets of private school transportation operations. 

“NSTA is pleased to honor this year’s award recipients, this group of winners has made significant contributions to both NSTA, as well as the student transportation industry. We appreciate their contributions and dedication to safe and efficient pupil transportation," said NSTA President Dan Kobussen. 

The 2024 National School Transportation Association awards and recipients include: 

Golden Merit Award: The Golden Merit Award - created in 1969 to recognize excellence in service, safety and community responsibility. Award recipients include Shawn Albright (First Student), Brent Carpenter (Brown Bus Company), PJ Koveloski (Irvin Raphael Inc.) Norm Stableford (Landmark Student Transportation), Gregg Stinson (Student Transportation of America), Brigden Summers (First Student), and Carmen Tomeo (WE Transport). 

Go Yellow, Go Green: Created in 2008 to recognize a company leader in the school bus industry who has demonstrated initiative and commitment in pursuing positive responses to growing environmental concerns. Awarded to Cook-Illinois Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois) and Student Transportation (America of Wall Township, New Jersey). 

Committee Member of the Year: Created in 2023, awarded to an individual committee member who has demonstrated longstanding dedication and support as a member of an NSTA Standing Committee. Awarded to Keith Galloway of Student Transportation of America. 

Committee Chair of the Year: Created in 2023, awarded by the NSTA Executive Committee to honor a committee chairperson who has exhibited leadership and dedication to NSTA through their committee activities. Awarded to Kellie Dean of Dean Transportation (Lansing, Michigan). 

Vendor Partner of the Year: An honor awarded to an NSTA Vendor Partner for commitment to the organization by committee membership, financial support and providing expertise on important pupil transportation issues. Awarded to Transfinder (Schenectady, New York). 

Contractor of the Year Award: Awarded to an NSTA contactor member company in recognition for service excellence, company culture and leadership. Awarded to Palmer Bus Service (North Mankato, Minnesota). 

Outstanding Driver Service Award: This honor is awarded to school bus driver(s) in conjunction with School Bus Fleet who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance and a commitment to excellence. Recipients include Wing Hang Chiu (Dell Transportation), Kathy Kapsy (Dousman Transport Company), Laura Sedlock, (Tri County Transportation), Joan Shank (Shultz Transportation) and Frank Shepard (First Student). 

NSTA Hall of Fame: Induction into the NSTA Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in long-term efforts on behalf of the student transportation industry. The 2024 NSTA Hall of Fame inductees are Bart Marksohn of WE Transport (Plainview, New York) and Patrick Vaughn of Student Transportation of American.