The SBO Awards Program recognizes individuals, companies and organizations that have made significant contributions towards the student transportation industry in the following categories.
Driver Excellence Award — recognition of a school bus driver demonstrating exemplary performance and a commitment to excellence, particularly in the areas of driving, customer service and safety.
2024 Driver Excellence Recognition Award Winners
In an ongoing effort to recognize the exceptional efforts put forth by thousands of professional school bus drivers each and every day, SBO will once again acknowledge and appreciate an extraordinary school bus driver in Ontario who has demonstrated exemplary performance and a commitment to excellence, particularly in the areas of driving, customer service and safety.
Ruth Mathews, Century Transportation Ltd.
SBO is pleased to recognize Ruth Mathews of Century Transportation Ltd. Ruth has been a school bus driver for 44 years! Ruth has built a trusting relationship with students, parents, teachers and customers over the years and Century Transportation Ltd. It is an amazing accomplishment for someone to work this long as a dedicated professional driver without incident which makes us all proud. Each year Century Transportation’s customer asks them to participate in the “first rider” program where the kindergarten children are introduced to the bus with safety making the children feel less scared of their new experience. Ruth always volunteers as she knows how important it is to help the children prepare for their first day in school and see all the smiling faces. We applaud Ruth for having 44 years of a clean driving record and for her professionalism and dedication to her job. Thank you and congratulations, Ruth!
SBO is pleased to recognize Helena Heuving of Elgie Bus Lines – STC. Helena has been a school bus driver for 23 years! Helena can be described as being cheerful, helpful and dedicated to her job. We applaud Helena for having 23 years of having a clean driving record and for her professionalism and dedication to her job. Thank you, Helena!
Sandy Ouellet, Renfrew County Bus Lines
SBO is pleased to recognize Sandy Ouellet of Renfrew County Bus Lines. Sandy is truly a team leader with her company, one who is the definition of ‘lead by example’. Sandy’s positive attitude has earned her the respect that she has given. She supports all drivers, new and old. Her words of encouragement like “You’ve got this” and phrases such as “No question is a silly question” have helped to motivate and empower fellow employees. The drivers know she is top-notch in all bussing skills and always makes the time to listen to their questions and concerns. Sandy is truly the heart of her company. She takes the time to get to know each employee personally (kid, grandkids etc). She takes time out of her day to ensure everyone is looked after. She organizes team-building experiences (euchre games, coffee and donut gatherings. Christmas dinner and breakfasts) and makes you feel like a part of the team! This year, Sandy will be retiring and hanging up her hat on a 40-year career! The impact that she has left will remain in all of those who have had the honour to work with her forever. SBO applauds Sandy for her dedication to her job and commitment to safety. Thank you and congratulations, Sandy! We wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement!
Rod St. Charles, Voyago (Ottawa)
SBO is thrilled to recognize Rod St. Charles of Voyago. Rod is honoured to have achieved, the Gold Driving Award – Certificate of Achievement for attaining over 2000 hours of safe driving with Voyago. Rod truly enjoys seeing all the students on a daily basis. He loves interacting with the students, parents and school staff. He likes to make the students day a bit brighter, so he does special things like announcing all of their birthdays, playing favourite radio stations and wearing superhero t-shirts on M-W-F’s. Friday is always Batman Day. The children love to wear matching superhero clothing. Rod has also enjoyed watching the students grow and change over the years. It gives Rod great pride knowing that as a bus driver, he can provide some joy in the lives of the students. Rod does his best to be a positive role model and maintain a positive attitude. We appreciate all of his efforts and applaud him for his professionalism and dedication to his job. Thank you and congratulations, Rod!
Lori Ann Morin, Pal-lot’s Bus Line Inc.
SBO is pleased to recognize Lori Ann Morin of Pal-lot’s Bus Line Inc. Lori has been a school bus driver for 48 years and has great experience and dedication to safety and the students. Lori is everyday friendly, personable and energetic. She has amazing connections with her students, parents, school partners and her fellow drivers. She knows every student by name and makes a point of getting to know them. Her students follow all the rules, she is stern but explains to them the reasons why it is important to follow the rules. Safety for her students is No. 1. Her daily commitment to the condition of her bus, timely execution of her route (pick-up/drop-off) and diligence in ensuring that every child feels safe is apparent to all. She is professional and takes great pride in being a school bus driver. Lori is always sharing her experiences and knowledge of being a school bus driver with her co-workers and her employer; she will problem-solve with them on mechanical and student issues. She is always the first to give a helping hand professionally and privately to anyone in need of help. Being a spare driver can be a challenge, but she doesn’t think twice to say yes to someone who needs some time off. We appreciate all of Lori’s efforts and applaud her for her professionalism and dedication to her job. Congratulations on 48 years and thank you, Lori Ann!
Colleen Mosier, Robert Hogan Bus Lines
SBO is pleased to recognize Colleen Mosier of Robert Hogan Bus Lines. Colleen has always strived to be excellent in her job. She has never missed a day of work in the 12 years of working for Robert Hogan Bus Lines! She has always had an amazing relationship with the families of the children she drives. She understands the importance of making sure that the children need to get to school and home safely. She demonstrates that by never missing a day of work. Colleen’s bus is spotless so much so that their mechanics will actually take off their boots to get inside! Colleen is an amazing employee and deserves to be recognized for all her hard efforts. We appreciate all of Colleen’s efforts and applaud her for her professionalism and dedication to her job. Congratulations and thank you, Colleen!
Rose Weber, Cook School Bus Lines
SBO is pleased to recognize Rose Weber of Cook School Bus Lines. Two years ago there was a fatal collision involving Rose and her students. A driver had a medical emergency causing the driver to accelerate through a stop sign impacting the side of the school bus, sending the bus into the adjacent ditch. Rose not only managed to safely bring the bus to a stop, she skillfully and calmly went through all her accident procedures, checking for injuries, keeping the students calm, evacuating the school bus while keeping the students away from the accident scene where the students could not see the other vehicle. The next day Rose insisted on driving her students to school so that they could see that she was alright and she could reassure them that they would be alright. That together they would face the challenging days to come. We appreciate all of Rose’s efforts and applaud her for her professionalism and dedication to her job. Thank you and congratulations, Rose!