News Release
First Student Drivers Finish in Top Ten at International School Bus Safety Competition
CINCINNATI—Five school bus drivers from First Student, Inc., the nation’s leader in student transportation, finished in the top 10 at the 39th Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, held July 18-19, 2009, in Greensboro, N.C. A total
of 106 drivers from across North America participated in this year’s competition;
17 were from First Student.
During the two-day event, drivers competed in one of three school bus style categories – conventional, transit and small – completing a challenging driving course and written exam.
First Student’s top finishers:
Conventional School Bus
5th Place - Mark Koelbl - Calgary, Alberta Canada
8th Place - Bonnie Pool - House Springs, MO
9th Place - Michelle Schurz - Grand Junction, CO
Transit-style School Bus
7th Place - Hannah Beard - Rockwood/Grover, MO
9th Place - Steve Wright - Olathe, KS
The National School Transportation Association holds this annual competition to highlight the safe practices and driving skill of North America’s most capable school bus drivers and to promote the professionalism of the industry.
“Safety skills are on display at this competition,” says Gary Catapano, Senior Vice President of Safety at First Student and Chairman of the National School Transportation Association Safety and Security Committee. “The driving course tests safe driving skills and is representative of situations drivers may encounter on their daily routes. The written exam tests their knowledge of operational and safety standards. We’re very proud of our drivers!”
To qualify for the international competition, drivers must earn top placement in individual state and province competitions.
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