Recognizing Excellence in Pupil Transportation
Explore Past Winners & Submit a Nomination!
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) believes in recognizing outstanding achievement at all levels of the pupil transportation program. Since 1990, OAPT has honored the Supervisor of the Year to acknowledge the exceptional leadership and contributions of those in supervisory roles.
In 2013, the OAPT Board expanded its recognition program by creating additional awards to celebrate the efforts of key personnel in the industry. These awards include Office Support Personnel, On-Bus Instructors, School Bus Drivers, School Bus Attendants, and School Bus Mechanics of the Year. Each of these prestigious awards is presented during the banquet at the OAPT’s annual conference.
In 2025, the OAPT Board introduced three new awards to further recognize achievements within the pupil transportation community:
*Distinguished Advocacy and Support Award for Industry Representatives
*Continuing Education Award
*Heroism Award
These awards will also be presented during the annual conference. Additionally, in 2025, the OAPT Board created the Every Day Hero Award, which recognizes individuals for their consistent dedication and impact and can be recognized at the annual conference or throughout the school year.
These awards highlight the critical role every individual plays in ensuring the success, safety, and professionalism of Ohio’s pupil transportation program, fostering a culture of recognition and celebration within the industry.
Award Nomination Accepted Until May 1, 2026
George Sontag Jr.
Special Recognition Award for Outstanding School Bus Driver
The George Sontag Jr. Recognition Award for Outstanding School Bus Driver is given in honor of OAPT Charter Member George Sontag Jr., to the school bus driver of the year as judged by the OAPT Officers.
It is the intent of this award to recognize bus drivers who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent as well as in the State of Ohio. The award also recognizes bus drivers who have contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation as a profession.
George R. Sontag, Jr. began his career at the age of 13, when he first began working on school buses at a small mom-and-pop garage in Miamiville, Ohio. In 1957, at age 18, he started driving a 1946 International that was owned by the garage for which he worked. The bus transported students to Indian Hill Schools.
On April 5, 1965, he was hired as Transportation Supervisor at Indian Hill Local SD where he supervised 33 drivers, drove a bus, and was the mechanic. He also wore many other hats during his tenure at Indian Hill including Buildings and Grounds.
On August 11, 1974, he was hired as Supervisor at Milford EVSD where he managed 57 drivers. He retired from Milford in 1991 after 34 years of service in school transportation.
During his career, he worked as an expert witness in court trials involving school transportation. He has served both NAPT and OAPT in many ways including holding office and planning conferences. He has also worked as a school transportation consultant, which is what he thought he might do in retirement.
And now, for the rest of the story:
After being retired for about 18 months, George accepted the position of Transportation Supervisor for Centerville City SD. Following the likes of Thelma O’Donnell, he agreed to work for two years. This prompted a move from the house where they raised their children and ran a small auto repair shop with his family, to Centerville. December 2012 marked George’s 20th year in Centerville.
George has worked in the school transportation field longer than he has been married to his sweetheart Barb (almost 53 years), and longer than he has had children. He is dedicated to making sure that every child gets the opportunity to be the best they can be by starting and ending each day with a caring word from their school bus driver.
Fred Anness
Award for Excellence in School Bus Training and Safety
The Fred Anness Award for Excellence in School Bus Training and Safety is given in honor of long-time Preservice Instructor Fred Anness to the On-Bus Instructor of the year as judged by the OAPT Officers.
It is the intent of this award to recognize on-bus instructors who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent as well as in the State of Ohio. The award also recognizes on-bus instructors who have contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation as a profession.
Fred Anness, a native of Cleves, Ohio, attended Cumberland College where he played basketball for four years and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis in Political Science and Biology. He later received a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Xavier University.
Employed by the Little Miami School District for seven years, Fred served as a teacher, driver’s education instructor, bus driver, coach, and athletic director.
In 1978 Fred was asked to be part of a federally-funded initiative to standardize and improve the training of school bus drivers across the State of Ohio.
This project gave birth to the Ohio Preservice Program, which continues to influence the instruction and safety of Ohio school bus drivers and the students they transport
Fred and his wife of more than four decades, Candy, have one son, Brandon (Misty), and two grandsons, Cameron and Drew. Fred enjoys sporting events, playing cards, leading Bible studies, and spending time with his family.
David E. Drum
Award for Outstanding Service in School Bus Maintenance
The David Drum School Bus Mechanic of the Year is given in memory of David E. Drum, a school bus mechanic and twenty-eight-year employee of Teays Valley Schools, to the school bus mechanic of the year, as judged by the OAPT Officers. It is the intent of this award to recognize mechanics who demonstrate outstanding cost-savings measures, cooperation and working relationships with school bus drivers and fellow employees, who set high shop standards, and who have implemented a preventative maintenance program. The award also recognizes mechanics who have contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation as a profession.
David Drum began his career with the Teays Valley Local SD in 1983 as a bus driver. In 2000, he was reassigned as a bus mechanic. He then became the head bus mechanic in 2002, serving in that capacity until his premature death in 2011.
He took great pride in the Teays Valley Schools and its transportation department. The maintenance of the bus fleet was a source of pride for him. He was very committed to the district’s students and staff, setting an example for others in dedication and pride in performance.
Dave was also involved as a volunteer for many activities in the Teays Valley athletic department. He was selected as a Hall of Fame member because of the countless hours he served as the official scorekeeper for boys’ and girls’ basketball games, for over 20 years. He also served as the scoreboard operator at football games for many years.
Within his community, Dave served the Village Chapel United Methodist Church as greeter and usher nearly every Sunday for many years.
Dave’s tragic death occurred at work while he was addressing the needs of a disabled school bus. His life was full of events in which he met the needs of others. He is remembered fondly and greatly missed by the Teays Valley community, and by his children, Donald and Julie.
Rita Rodgers
Award for Excellence in Special Needs Transportation
The Rita Rodgers Award for Excellence in Special Needs Transportation is given in honor of Rita Rodgers, former school bus attendant at South-Western City SD, as judged by the OAPT Officers.
It is the intent of this award to recognize school bus attendants who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent as well as in the State of Ohio.
The award also recognizes school bus attendants who have contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation as a profession.
Rita Ann Rodgers was born in Olive Hill, Kentucky, a small town where she grew up and married Ted Rodgers. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where Ted was stationed in the United States Navy. Rita had her first child while there.
After Ted left the Navy, they settled near Columbus where Rita soon had twin daughters. The family then moved to the hills of Ross County where she helped on the farm. She then moved back to the Columbus area where they live today.
Rita has worked for a move theater, donut shop, and video store. She has sold Avon and Home Interiors. She worked for Eddie Bauer and has been an EMT. She volunteered at Orient when it was a mental institution.
By far, her favorite job has been working with the children on her buses. She invited children to her house, took some to Chuck E. Cheese, and was constantly shopping on her lunch breaks if she knew a child needed something. She brought them school supplies, winter coats, and toys.
She loves her four grandchildren and would often take them to her house for a week at a time. She loves family, her parrots, and fishing.
In August 2011, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that led to a stroke. After spending time in recovery, Rita passed away on October 12, 2013.
William Rice
Distinguished Service Award – Transportation Supervisor of the Year
The William Rice Distinguished Service Award – Transportation Supervisor of the Year is given in memory of William Rice to an Ohio Pupil Transportation Administrator selected by the Officers of the Board.
It is the intent of this award to recognize administrators who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the districts they represent and in the State of Ohio, and also to administrators who have contributed to the advancement of school transportation as a profession.
This award is the highest honor that can be given to an Ohio Pupil Transportation Administrator.
To be eligible, nominees must be current OAPT members, must have two or more years of supervisory experience, have involvement in outside or professional activities (legislative, Road-E-O, OAPT committees, state committees) and must show evidence of interest in professional growth by attendance at seminars, regional meetings, and in-service.
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Business Managers, Ohio Department of Education Pre-Service Instructors, and fellow Transportation Administrators are eligible to make nominations.
Carol Brandel
Excellence in Clerical Support for Pupil Transportation
The Carol Brandel Excellence in Clerical Support for Pupil Transportation is given in honor of Carol Brandel, long-time Administrative Assistant for the Ohio Department of Education Pupil Transportation Office, as judged by the OAPT Officers.
It is the intent of this award to recognize Pupil Transportation Support Staff who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent as well as in the State of Ohio. This award also recognizes school transportation professionals who have contributed to the advancement of school transportation as a profession.
Carol Brandel is a vital part of the Ohio pupil transportation industry. Her helpful nature, patience, and pleasant demeanor ensure that calls to ODE are answered quickly and correctly. Transportation administrators throughout Ohio have a tremendous respect for her service, and OAPT is honored to present this annual award in Carol’s name.
OAPT
Continuing Education Award
The OAPT Continuing Education Award honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development through ongoing education, training, and skill-building. This award recognizes those who prioritize learning and apply their knowledge to improve their work, enhance safety, and contribute to the success of the pupil transportation industry.
OAPT
Every Day Hero Award
The OAPT Every Day Hero Award recognizes individuals in the pupil transportation industry who consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication, effort, and service in their daily roles, making a significant, positive impact on students, colleagues, and the community.
OAPT
Distinguished Advocacy and Support Award for Industry Representatives
The recipient of the Distinguished Advocacy and Support Award must meet the following qualifications:
Experience & Leadership:
Demonstrates experience in the governance of pupil transportation or a related field.
Actively engaged in an administrative, managerial, or supervisory capacity and/or involved in the daily operations of pupil transportation.
Advocacy & Impact:
Strongly represents pupil transportation and/or transportation safety at the local, state, or national level.
Exhibits dedication to advancing the pupil transportation industry through leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
Meritorious Service:
Contributions must have a direct and meaningful impact on pupil transportation on a state and/or national level.
OAPT
Heroism Award
The Heroism Award is intended to recognize appropriate acts of heroism demonstrated in the school transportation industry. The award criteria would be the following:
Those eligible for nomination include any person who is either directly or indirectly involved with saving a life or lives.
The life saving action must:
Have been performed by a person directly involved in the school transportation industry; OR If not performed by a person directly involved in the school transportation industry (i.e. students or bystanders), the action must directly affect the school transportation operation/program.
Acts of Heroism for each award year will be based on heroic actions performed any time during three (3) preceding calendar years.
