The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) recognized excellence in private contracting at its 2025 annual meeting and convention in Boston on July 22. 

"It's an honor to recognize this year's award recipients, said outgoing NSTA President Dan Kobussen. "Their dedication has had a lasting impact on both NSTA and the broader student retention industry. We're grateful for their commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and efficient school transportation, and I want to personally congratulate all of the winners."

2025 NSTA Golden Merit Awards

• Glenn Brayman, Shop Manager, First Student

• Melissa Castle, Mid Columbia Bus Company

• Michelle Harpenau, Manager, Commercial Development, Durham School Services

• Kevin Kilner, Chief Safety Officer, Beacon Mobility

• David Kinley, VP of Operations for New York State, Student Transportation of America

• Barbie Stucker, Big Sky Bus Lines

The Golden Merit Award is one of NSTA's highest honors, created in 1969, recognizing individuals who exemplify excellence in service, safety, and community responsibility within the school transportation industry. 

"Dave Kinley's deep commitment to the student transportation industry is undeniable," said Gregg Stinson, EVP, Eastern business group at Student Transportation of America, in a statement. "His technical expertise, professionalism, and focus on team development, have made a lasting impact across New York state and within our organization. We're proud to see him honored with the NSTA Golden Merit Award, a well-deserved recognition of his incredible contributions."

2025 NSTA Outstanding Driver Service Awards

• Linda Caudillo, Mid Columbia Bus Company

• Jeffrey Flitcraft, B.R. Williams

• Kilra Hylton, TransAction Associates

• Duane Versteegh, School Bus Inc.

• Becky Williams, Dousman Transport Company

This award, in conjunction with School Bus Fleet, recognizes school bus drivers who provide exemplary safety performance, a commitment to excellence, and significant contributions to the community. 

2025 NSTA Go Yellow, Go Green Award

• First Student

This award recognizes a company leader that demonstrates initiative and commitment in pursuing a positive response to growing environmental concerns. Go Yellow, Go Green is a national campaign to promote the greater use of school buses as a viable response to the twin problems of air pollution and excessive fuel usage. First Student was awarded for its leadership in advancing electric school bus adoption and its ongoing commitment to delivering cleaner, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions for students and communities.

"Our commitment to electrification is not just about reducing emissions, it's about improving the health and well-being of the students we serve and the communities they call home," said Kevin Matthews, head of electrification at First Student. "Receiving the NSTA Go Yellow, Go Green Award is a meaningful recognition of our team's dedication to making student transportation cleaner, quieter, and safer every day."

2025 NSTA Committee Member of the Year

• Tim Weaverling, Partner, RWR-Keystone Insurance

Created in 2023, this award honors an individual NSTA committee member who has demonstrated longstanding dedication and support.

2025 NSTA Committee Chair of the Year

• John Benjamin, President, Benjamin Bus

Created in 2023 and awarded by the NSTA executive committee, this award honors an NSTA committee chairperson who has exhibited leadership and dedication  to NSTA through their committee activities.

2025 NSTA Vendor Partner of the Year

• Wells Fargo Equipment Finance - Lee Edwards, VP and Territory Manager

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.

2025 Innovator of the Year Award

• Gaurav Sharda, CTO, Beacon Mobility

The Innovator Award recognizes an individual who has made significant, tangible contributions to the industry within the past year as an employee of a school bus contractor company. Innovations include technology, operations, safety, and green energy.

2025 NSTA Contractor of the Year

• Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.

Awarded to an NSTA contactor member company in recognition for service excellence, company culture, and leadership.

2025 NSTA Distinguished Service Awards

• Paul Mori, Beacon Mobility

• Susan Rady, Johnson School Bus Service

In 1992, the NSTA board established this award to recognize a school bus contractor for recent, significant, substantial, and special contributions to pupil transportation contracting.

2025 NSTA Hall of Fame Inductee

• Carina Noble, Durham School Services

Induction into the NSTA Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in long-term efforts on behalf of the student transportation industry.

Check out more highlights from the conference in this video.