At its annual awards dinner during the July 22 convention held at The Westin Copley Place, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) recognized outstanding contributions in private school bus operations. These awards highlighted excellence in safety, service, innovation, and environmental awareness.
Carina Noble of Durham School Services in Lisle, Illinois, was inducted into the NSTA Hall of Fame. Her decades of dedication to student transportation earned her this distinguished honor.
Outgoing NSTA President Dan Kobussen commented, “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s award recipients. Their dedication has had a lasting impact on both NSTA and the broader student transportation industry. We’re grateful for their commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and efficient school transportation.”
The Golden Merit Awards, established in 1969 to honor service, safety, and community responsibility, went to Kevin Kilner of Beacon Mobility, Glenn Brayman of First Student, Melissa Castle of Mid-Columbia Bus Company, Michelle Harpenau of Durham School Services, David Kinley of Student Transportation of America, and Barbie Stucker of Big Sky Bus Lines.
Suffolk Transportation Service of Bayshore, New York, received Contractor of the Year, noted for its culture, leadership, and service excellence.
The Go Yellow, Go Green Award, recognizing environmental leadership since 2008, was presented to First Student of Cincinnati.
Committee Member of the Year went to Tim Weaverling of Keystone RWR in Bedford, Pennsylvania, while Committee Chair of the Year went to John Benjamin of Benjamin Buses in Northfield, Minnesota.
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance and Lee Edwards of Chattanooga, Tennessee, received the Vendor Partner of the Year Award for industry contributions.
The Innovator Award, given by School Transportation News, went to Beacon Mobility’s CTO, Gaurav Sharda, in recognition of advancements in technology, operations, safety, and green energy.
In partnership with School Bus Fleet, the Outstanding Driver Service Award honored Kilra Hylton of Transaction Associates, Duane Versteegh of School Bus Inc., Jeffery Flitcraft of B R Williams, Linda Caudillo of Mid-Columbia Bus Company, and Becky Williams of Dousman Transport Company.
The program will open nominations for the 2026 awards in January.
Image and Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
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