The Wisconsin School Bus Association awards seven drivers and three mechanics for excellence in their profession. Some have more than 50 years of service.
PHOTOS: Wisconsin Association Honors School Bus Drivers, Mechanics
Trudy Serres has been a school bus driver at Oconomowoc Transport for 11 years. WSBA said that Serres has crocheted puppets and hats for her students.
Jeff Thompson (center), another WSBA honoree, has been a school bus driver at Pulaski Community School District for nine years. Thompson is a retired teacher who had previous school bus driving experience. Now, he will be retiring from route driving but will still be available as a substitute.
Larry Leverton of Lamers Bus Lines was one of seven drivers awarded for excellence at the Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) convention on June 20. Leverton has been a school bus driver for more than 60 years and has only missed one day of work.
Harry “Sonny” Nemitz, another WSBA honoree, has been a school bus driver for 53 years in the School District of Westfield. WSBA said he continues to maintain a perfect driving record.
David “Pete” Lunde has been a school bus driver at Necedah Area School District for 43 years. Read his nomination letter here.
Edward Erickson was one of three school bus mechanics honored by WSBA. Erickson has been a mechanic for 34 years at Westby Area School District, starting right after high school. Read his nomination letter here.
Doug Bockenhauer has been driving a school bus for the School District of Arcadia for 30 years. WSBA noted that Bockenhauer is a great role model for Arcadia's students. Read his nomination letter here.
WSBA honoree Mark Fellmeth has been the lead technician at Dousman Transport’s Delavan/Walworth location for 24 years. He is a certified ASE master school bus technician. Read his nomination letter here.
Jay Lett (center) has served as a school bus mechanic at Kobussen Buses for 20 years. WSBA said that he manages two shops and is willing to fill in as a substitute driver on bus routes.
Larry Ayres has served as a school bus driver at Kobussen Buses in Brodhead for nine years. According to WSBA, Ayres is a model driver with an exceptional safety record. Read his nomination letter here.