Celebrating Excellence:
NAPT Announces 2025 Annual Award Winners
Each year, the National Association for Pupil Transportation( NAPT) shines a spotlight on the professionals who set the standard for excellence in student transportation. As someone who has spent years covering this industry, I’ m always inspired by the stories behind these awards— the innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving students and communities. The 2025 NAPT Annual Award Winners represent the very best of what our industry has to offer, and it’ s an honor to share their achievements with the readers of School BUSRide Magazine.
Continuing Education Award
Michelle Summers, CSPT Assistant Director of Transportation, Friendswood ISD( TX) Award Sponsored by Thomas Built Buses
This year’ s Continuing Education Award honors Michelle Summers, whose passion for professional growth has transformed learning opportunities within her district and inspired colleagues nationwide. Her leadership in championing training and development ensures transportation teams are better prepared to serve students safely and effectively. Michelle’ s nomination highlighted her unwavering commitment to professional growth,
Michelle Summers, CSPT noting,“ Continuing education has become a personal mission. I completed my NAPT Certified Supervisor of Pupil Transportation( CSPT) certification entirely on my own. That process lit a fire within me— not just to improve myself, but to elevate those around me. It inspired me to pursue my state official certification, and now I am actively working toward the NAPT Director Certification. I’ ve faced many challenges in my life, but each one has made me more determined to grow and serve. I strive to use what I’ ve learned to make a meaningful impact on my team, our students, and the broader community. I believe that by investing in ourselves through continuing education, we create a ripple effect— empowering others, strengthening our industry, and most importantly, ensuring safer, more supportive environments for the students we serve.”
School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award
Sherri Zulick Training Coordinator, Training Coordinator at Gorham School District( ME) Award Sponsored by IC Bus
With a career defined by dedication and innovation, Sherri Zulick has raised the bar
Sherri Zulick for driver training and safety standards in
Maine and beyond. Her hands-on approach and commitment to continuous improvement have strengthened her district’ s programs and set an example for transportation departments across the country. Those who work alongside Sherri say,“ Sherri consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to student safety and professional development. She is not only a skilled and safety-minded driver, but also a certified ALICE trainer, bringing critical knowledge to school transportation teams in high-pressure situations. Sherri’ s training sessions are never static; she constantly seeks innovative and engaging ways to deliver content that resonates with both new and seasoned staff. Her methods are dynamic, practical, and tailored to ensure every trainee leaves better prepared.”
Special Needs Transportation Award
Katherine Michael, CSPT, CPTS Special Needs Route Supervisor at Fayette County Schools( GA) Award Sponsored by Q’ STRAINT
Katherine Michael is celebrated for her extraordinary dedication to providing safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation for
Katherine Michael students with special needs. Through her work,
she has built systems of care and connection that ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed. As one nominator wrote,“ Mrs. Michael demonstrates unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of our students with special needs, and leverages her extensive knowledge and training, gained in part through NAPT’ s professional development series, to implement and oversee a transportation program that truly exceeds expectations. Katherine consistently personalizes transportation to meet IEP specific needs to ensure transportation decisions fully reflect students’ needs. Drivers, monitors, administrators, and parents describe her as decisive yet compassionate and feel she builds relationships grounded in trust and respect. Katherine’ s tireless advocacy, innovative leadership, and devotion to students and staff make her an outstanding candidate for this honor.”
Heroism Award
Spartanburg District 6( SC) bus driver Crystal Foster and bus monitor Joclyn Johnson; for their heroic actions in saving children from a house fire. Award Sponsored by Blue Bird
On that fateful day, Crystal Foster and Joclyn Johnson were on their usual route when
Joclyn Johnson they noticed smoke billowing from the home of a student they were dropping off. Officials added that Foster and Johnson noticed the student’ s older sister was standing in the garage“ frightened and paralyzed with fear.” Without hesitation, they stopped the bus and rushed to the scene, ensuring the safety of the children in their care before turning their attention to the burning home. Their swift actions and effective communication enabled them to promptly notify the authorities, while also reassuring the
Crystal Foster frightened children and safely retrieving another young sibling who was still inside the house. The NAPT Heroism Award celebrates individuals like Crystal and Joclyn, whose actions remind us of the profound impact that compassion and courage can have in our communities. Their story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of kindness and the importance of being prepared to act in moments of crisis.
14 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE. COM | SEPTEMBER 2025