Annual event offers something for whole family

“Over the last three years this event has transitioned from a simple Bus Road -e-o to a Transportation Employee Appreciation Day,” says Ed Bishop, director of transportation services. “It’s a terrific event.”

Six years ago, the annual Prince William County School Bus Road-e-o was created as a fun event where drivers (and attendants) got to test their skills and demonstrate their driving abilities. Now, this yearly celebration includes food and entertainment for all PWCS transportation employees and their families, complete with kids’ games, door prizes, and a talent competition called “Transportation Idol.”

And, of course, there’s still the bus roadeo. To compete, drivers must first pass a written examination covering traffic rules and school regulations. Then, each driver (or team) must complete an obstacle course that covers nine different skill areas. For PWCS bus drivers, this event is as much about improvement as it is about performance.

“The Bus Road -e-o Competition gives our drivers and attendants an opportunity to perfect safe driving skills and to identify areas for additional training,” says Bishop. “More importantly, it is a symbolic demonstration of our sincere appreciation of the efforts of all our employees including mechanics, fuel attendants, dispatchers, administrative assistants, and supervisors as well as our nearly 700 bus drivers and attendants. Simply put, they are an integral part of our School Division.”

Greg Donovan, who took first place in the Regular Education division of the bus roadeo, was named the overall winner of the day’s events. Pam Lieb and Marianela Bracero, a driver and bus attendant team, also placed first in the Special Education division. All three first-place winners were presented a trophy, a check for $500, and an opportunity to represent Prince William County Public Schools in the Virginia Commonwealth competition in the months ahead. Other winners included Skip Ragon and Ray Mason who took second and third places, respectively, in the Regular Education competition; and Tammie and Josie Houston, second place, and Ellen and Erin Drews, third place winners, in the Special Education division.

Special awards also went to the event’s talent show winners. Don Hamilton, a special needs driver, was named the “Transportation Idol” and Natalie Dent, daughter of Bus Drivers Ken and Kay Dent, took the “Transportation Junior Idol” award.

Check out the Potomac News article about the Bus Road-e-o.

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