The Local School Bus Road-eo took place in late May, with drivers from two school divisions qualifying for the provincial competition on Saturday in Nisku.
The annual event brings together divisions and transportation providers from across central Alberta—including Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS), Chinook’s Edge School Division, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Prairie Bus Lines—to collaborate on a fun and competitive challenge course designed to highlight the precision, professionalism and safety focus of school bus drivers.
Chinook’s Edge brought 10 drivers to the competition, with three of them advancing to the event in Nisku.
In first place was Samantha Smith. Second place went to Lori Whitlow. Both drive to Cremona School.
Rick Wilson came in third and is a spare driver in the Cremona area.
“All of our drivers were rockstars and we are very proud of them,” said Corinne Varga, Chinook’s Edge director of transportation.
Front (left to right): Lolita Clark (judge), Afaf Elfard, Andria Helland, Nicole Stangeland (judge).
Missing: Jerry Witvoet (first place), Keith Gummow.
Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) also took home some hardware.
“We brought six competitors this year, and I’m proud to share that three of them have qualified for the provincial competition,” said WCPS transportation manager Betty Clark.
“I am exceptionally proud of our team moving forward.”
Jerry Witvoet took home first place, followed by Ben Murto, who placed second.
Byran Pikkert, a novice driver, placed third.
In addition to the competitors, WCPS also contributed seven judges to help run and support the event.
The Provincial School Bus Road-eo will take place on Saturday at the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) site in Nisku.
Events are scheduled to begin around 9:30 a.m., and spectators are welcome to attend and cheer everyone on.
With information from Chinook's Edge School Division and WCPS.
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