Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently celebrated bus drivers
from across the school system during the annual NRMPS Bus Roadeo event. In
addition to having bus drivers contend with their colleagues for the top spots
in a driving competition, the NRMPS Transportation department also recognized
deserving bus drivers and transportation staff members with special honors.
Binford Sloan, Director of Transportation, said the event is one
that he and members of the transportation department look forward to every
year. “To safely transport our students, bus drivers have mastered in-depth
training to operate the school bus,” said Sloan. “The Bus Roadeo provides the
setting where drivers can compete against each other in an obstacle course
highlighting different skills. This spirited competition focuses on a driver's
ability with braking, maneuvering, perception, steering, and timing to drive
the bus without error.”
The 2013 Roadeo winners were Carlton Williams from Englewood
Elementary who came in first place; Lakesha Watson from Hubbard Elementary, who
placed second, and Denise Hall from Southern Nash Middle, who placed third.
These top winners competed in a regional Bus Roadeo with bus drivers from
surrounding school districts held May 3.
In addition to the Roadeo competition, bus drivers enjoyed a
special luncheon during which the school system honored employees for their
hard work and dedication throughout the school year. As the award recipients
were announced, comments from their peers and supervisors who nominated them
were also shared with the group.
Keith Tharrington was named the 2013 NRMPS Transportation
Employee of the Year. Tasheka Cooper of
Benvenue Elementary was named Elementary School Bus Driver of the Year. Donald
Barnes of Edwards Middle was named the Middle School Bus Driver of the Year and
Meka Cooper of Nash Central High School was named the High School Bus Driver of
the Year. Barnes also received the prestigious honor of being named the
Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools 2013 overall Bus Driver of the Year.
NRMPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson thanked the bus drivers for their efforts to ensure students arrive to and depart from school safely. “I am so proud of our transportation department, all of our bus drivers, technicians and other staff who work tirelessly to ensure that our students arrive safely to school,” Jackson said. “You all make an intentional, daily commitment to the education of students in this school system, and we cannot thank you enough for what you do every day.”
