Annual Awards
OPTA has been honoring drivers of exceptional skill, safety and leadership for decades, working with the Oregon Department of Education to award the "Big Wheel Award" since 1971, and recognizing the "Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year" since at least 1992. We also recognize technicians and mechanics for their abilities, and thank them for keeping us moving!
Safety exercises and other competitions are a popular way for our members to put their skills to the test in a safe and friendly environment. We encourage you to get involved!
Nominate and Recognize the Professional who has made a Difference…
It all begins with a Transportation Professional making a difference. This could be a driver, dispatcher, driver trainer, administrative assistant, router, mechanic/technician, or a director or supervisor, for example. One thing is true, recognition is not given enough to these professionals. Nominate your professional today!
OPTA Annual Awards Recipients
We congratulate all award nominees and extend our congratulations to the recipients!
2024 State Award Recipients
TBA Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales Representing: TBA
TBA Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Peterson Trucks and IC Bus Sales Representing: TBA
TBA
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: TBA
TBA
Ron Bryan OPTA Service Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: TBA
TBA
Randy Schetky Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: TBA
TBA
Marlan Rohlena School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: TBA
TBA
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: TBA
2023 State Award Recipients
Sandy Van Baggen Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales Representing: Portland Public Schools
Pam Woodworth Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Peterson Trucks and IC Bus Sales Representing: Prairie City School District
Darin Dixon
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Sweet Home School District
Not Awarded
Ron Bryan OPTA Service Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: N/A
Tammy Rickman
Randy Schetky Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: First Student, Gresham-Barlow School District
Keith Garrett
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Sarah Earls
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
2022 State Award Recipients
Shawna Scott Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales Representing: Redmond School District
Frank Hedrick Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Peterson Trucks and IC Bus Sales Representing: North Clackamas School District
Ted Woodcock
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Ashland School District
Teri Brady
Ron Bryan President’s Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Portland Public Schools
Teresa Hooper
Randy Schetky Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Parkrose School District
Mary Richhart
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Portland Public Schools
Debbi Miotke
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Not Awarded
Dennis Essary Leadership Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: N/A
2021 State Award Recipients
Eric Stein
Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood School District
George Johnson
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Peterson Trucks and IC Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood School District
Bob Dulmage
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Kathy Calkins
Ron Bryan President’s Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Cindy Kirby
Randy Schetky Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Warrenton-Hammond School District
Brian Clarke
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Carmela Thomas
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: Sherwood School District
Not Awarded
Dennis Essary Leadership Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: N/A
2020 State Award Recipients
Colleen Light
Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Tigard-Tualatin School District
Eddie Dixon
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Peterson Trucks and IC Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Mark McGahan
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Klamath Falls City Schools
Michael Shields
Ron Bryan President’s Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Randy Schetky
Ron Bryan President’s Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Schetky Bus & Van Sales
Mitchell Hamilton
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Laura Salsky
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Jennifer Carmichael
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Not Awarded
Dennis Essary Leadership Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: N/A
2019 State Award Recipients
Cathy Rosenthal
Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Centennial School District
Ruth Blomdal
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Jaiver Davenport
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Sherwood School District
Sandi Miller
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Sherwood School District
Janet Alley
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Athena Kingery
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Klamath Falls City Schools
Dan Chipman
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Silke Communications
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Chris Ellison
Dennis Essary Leadership Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Eugene School District
2018 State Award Recipients
Norma Sisson
Buck Klemm Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Central Point School District
Lesa Motter
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Grants Pass School District
James "Kimo" Sears
Golden Wrench Technician/Mechanic Award
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Eugene School District
Kathy Houck
Ron Bryan President's Award
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Reynolds School District
David Jorgenson
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Hylah Moncy
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Lebanon School District
Lindsay Heard
Doug Flatt Administrative Support Award
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: Grants Pass School District
Not Awarded
Dennis Essary Leadership Award
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT Representing: N/A
2017 State Award Recipients
Sue Caldwell
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood School District
Mona Dent
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Eugene School District
Christopher Fitch
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Eugene School District
Charlie McAlister
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Centennial School District
Diane Clinkscales
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by:Schetky NW
Representing: Neighbor Impact Head Start
Casey Jebens
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood School District
Michele Fletchall
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
David Farley
Dennis Essary (Leadership Award)
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
2016 State Award Recipients
Stephanie Malherbe Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Connie Lutz
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Nick Scott
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing:
Wilbur Starr
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Santiam Christian School
Stacey Delgado
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Ashland School District
None
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
None
Dennis Essary (Leadership Award)
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT
2015 State Award Recipients
Lori Dau
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: David Douglas School District
Teresa Schreiber
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas School District
David Graham
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Redmond School District
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Michelle Rainville
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Redmond School District
Deborah Maskal
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Denise Richardson
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: Astoria School District
Jane Langlois
Dennis Essary (Leadership Award)
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT
Representing: Beaverton School District
2014 State Award Recipients
Terry Sanders
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer School District
George Morfin
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Beaverton School District
Troy Hageman
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Eugene School District
Denice Blake
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Bend-LaPine School District
Lynnette O’Dell
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Cindy Merrill
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Reynolds School District
Cheryl Crosgrove
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: North Clackamas School District
Chris Ellison
Dennis Essary (Leadership Award)
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT
Representing: Eugene School District
2013 State Award Recipients
Berta Poland
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: David Douglas School District
Ruth Park
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Beaverton School District
Gary Rowe
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: David Douglas School District
Tim O'Connell
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Bend-LaPine School District
Kathy Houck
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Reynolds School District
Cindy Moran
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Kris Freeman
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Michael Shields
Dennis Essary (Leadership Award)
Sponsored by: Michael Martin, Executive Director NAPT
Representing: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
2012 State Award Recipients
Keith Wright
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: )Western Bus Sales
Representing: Portland Public Schools
Sandra Aldama
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Ken Dorsey
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Springfield Public Schools
Michael Shields
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
Jane Langlois
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Beaverton SD
Mark Sexton
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas SD
Dawn Parsell
Teresa Derochowski
Doug Flatt (Administrative Support Award)
Sponsored by: Mid-Columbia Bus Co.
Representing: North Clackamas SD, Salem-Keizer SD
2011 State Award Recipients
Kathryn Mundt
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Orren Atkins
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: Reynolds SD
David Farley
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
L.D. Ellison
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Sweet Home SD
Michael Shields
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
David Asula
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Reynolds SD
2010 State Award Recipients
None
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Cathy Schellenberg
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Brattain International Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas SD
Dave Voiles
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Representing: Bend-Lapine SD
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: OPTA
Chris Ellison
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Kathy Caulkins
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: David Douglas SD
2009 State Award Recipients
Tami Jay
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Fred Taylor
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Power Products (formerly Pacific Detroit Diesel)
Representing: Hillsboro SD
Michael Jacobs
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Deborah Lincoln
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Cummins NW
Representing: ODE
Robert “Skip” Boice
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
Carl Salstrom
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
2008 State Award Recipients
Leah Stiles
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Mid-Co – Lincoln County SD
Diane Brown
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Power Products (formerly Pacific Detroit Diesel)
Representing: David Douglas SD
Tim Lawrence
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Beaverton SD
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Cummins NW
Michael Burton
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
Lucy Weiser
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Beaverton SD
2007 State Award Recipients
Sybil Malone
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Greater Albany Public Schools
Patty Trost
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Power Products (formerly Pacific Detroit Diesel)
Representing: Mid-Co – Burnt River
Kevin Potter
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Mid-Co – Condon
Matt Kutcher
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by:Cummins NW
Representing: Crook County
Rita Armstrong
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Mid-Co – Gervais
Mary Condon
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas SD
2006 State Award Recipients
Debbie Wright
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Beaverton SD
Jackie
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Power Products (formerly Pacific Detroit Diesel)
Representing: Baker SD
Van Dyke
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott's Friction Supply
Representing: Beaverton SD
Bill Flatt
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Cummins NW
Representing: Mid-Columbia Bus
Marty Hopper
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Redmond SD
Janet Alley
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas SD
2005 State Award Recipients
Betty Templison
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Mid-Co
Carol Dill
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Crook County
David Dunlap
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Redmond
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Cummins NW
Cindy Nicholson
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Mid-Co – Hermiston
Jean Frazey
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Beaverton
2004 State Award Recipients
Sue Coffin
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Willamette ESD
Judy Wagoner
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Mid-Co – Cove
Jim Davidson
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Mid-Co – Elgin
Doug Flatt
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Cummins NW
Representing: Mid-Columbia Bus
Ronald “Bud” Botts
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Joseph SD
Sherren Wargnier
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer SD
2003 State Award Recipients
Leanne Schwarzin
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood SD
Darlene Gescher
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Stayton Laidlaw4
Bryant Cheam (Manager)
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Portland Laidlaw
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Lynda Newell
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Parkrose SD
Sharon Wilde
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Sherwood SD
2002 State Award Recipients
Mary Jones
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Central SD
Al Morris
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Mid-Co, Pendleton
Tom Miller
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott's Friction Supply
Representing: Oregon City SD
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Arlita Sams
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Mid-Co — Pendleton
Jeffrey Gibson
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas SD
2001 State Award Recipients
Sandy Darnell
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Reynolds
Karen Robinson
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Scio
Mark Van Riper
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott's Friction Supply
Representing: Reynolds
John Fairchild
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Representing: Salem-Keizer
Barbara Kirwan
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: First Student — Canby
Sandy Dubendorf
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: David Douglas
2000 State Award Recipients
Donelle Cramer
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Salem-Keizer
Anita Cardwell
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Mid-Co, Pendleton
Charles "Kirk" Stansbery
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Laidlaw — Medford
Jane Frey
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Representing: Oregon City
Wilda “Willie” Birchell
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Laidlaw— Dallas
Margaret Robbins
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Laidlaw — Jefferson
1999 State Award Recipients
Marti Ficke & Carol Howard
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Springfield
Charlotte Bigelow
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Jackson County
Ken Bates
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Lake Oswego PD
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Mac Pennington
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Lake Oswego
Tim Iba
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: North Clackamas
1998 State Award Recipients
Marlys Bauer
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Betty Jean Roan
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Representing: Salem-Keizer
Edward Johnson
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Laidlaw – Coos Bay
Coral Semle
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Vonda Schultz
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Mike Blagg
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
1997 State Award Recipients
Margy McCrary
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
JoAnn Arens
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Garry Grimm
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott's Friction Supply
Representing: Centennial (?)
Don Molinsky
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Jane Frey
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Representing: Oregon City
Lynette O'Dell
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Representing: Hillsboro
1996 State Award Recipients
Charlotte Earl
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Mary Shelton
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Jesse Martinez
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: (?) -- Woodburn
Ron Bryan
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Ron Bryan
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Eileen WainWright
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
1995 State Award Recipients
None
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
None
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
None
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
None
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Barbara Niles & Roberta Warner
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
1994 State Award Recipients
Annette Reisbirk
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Carolyn Bingham
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Dan M. Ford
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Laidlaw – Grants Pass (?)
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Eva Baylis
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
Dorothy Evens
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
1993 State Award Recipients
Barbara Tighe
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
None
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Wayne Muessig
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Beaverton
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
Don Molinsky
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
None
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
1992 State Award Recipients
None
Buck Klemm (Special Needs Transportation Award)
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
None
Oregon School Bus Driver of the Year
Sponsored by: Pacific Detroit Diesel
Chuck Beck
Golden Wrench (Technician/Mechanic Award)
Sponsored by: Ott’s Friction Supply
Representing: Gresham
None
Ron Bryan (President’s Award)
Sponsored by: Springfield Radio Communications, Inc
None
Oregon Transportation Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by: Schetky NW
None
Oregon School Bus Driver Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by: Western Bus Sales
Oregon Department of Education “Big Wheel Award”
We congratulate all award nominees and extend our congratulations to the recipients of the ODE “Big Wheel Award” Winners!
ODE "Big Wheel Award" Winners
1971
Norm Chris
District: (“Katty Wampus”)
1972
Fred Wilcox
District: Phoenix – Talent School District
1973
Bud Gage
District: Molalla School District
1974
Wayne Meussig
District: Beaverton School District
1975
Darold Miller
District: Springfield School District
1976
Richard George
District: Coquille School District
1977
Willis Grey
District: Crook County School District
1978
Howard Woolsey
District: Eagle Point School District
1979
Quinten Hewson
District: Catlin Gable School District
1980
Don Moorehead
District: Dorsey Bus Company – Bethel School District
1981
Larry Igou
District: Central School District
1982
Bob Pellico
District: Eugene School District
1983
Don Allison
District: Hillsboro School District
1984
Doug Flatt
District: Pendleton Bus Company
1985
Mary Beerli
District: Eagle Point School District
1986
John Shafer
District: Banks School District
1987
Dolores Backus
District: Reynolds School District
1988
Jack Sperr 74-87
Oregon Department of Education State Director (Retired)
1989
Junaita Luke
District: Beaverton School District
1990
Alice Denton
District: David Douglas School District
1991
Lane Allen
District: Prineville School District
1992
Pan VanArsdale
District: Mayflower Bus Company
1993
Susan Hendrickson
District: School Bus Services
1994
Don Hatt
District: Ontario School District
1995
Craig Pruitt
District: Salem - Keizer School District
1996
Ron Bryan
District: Estacada School District
1997
George Ehmer
District: Milton - Freewater School District
1998
John Jolly
District: Oregon Department of Education
1999
John Fairchild
District: Salem - Keizer School District
2000
Carey Smith
District: Grants Pass School District
2001
Brian Mullins
District: Beaverton School District
2002
Tom Saddler
District: Central School District
2003
Jane Frey
District: Oregon City School District
2004
Ivan Imig
District: Salem - Keizer School District
2005
Tom Lovell
District: Cascade School District
2006
Sherren Wargnier
District: Salem - Keizer School District
2007
Marlan Rohlena
District: Western Bus Sales
2008
Jeff Gibson
District: North Clackamas School District
2009
Marty Hopper
District: Redmond School District
2010
Bill Mattes
District: Estacada School District
2011
Kathy Houck
District: Reynolds School District
2012
Buckley Plummer
District: Ontario School District
2013
Susan Hunt
District: Oregon Child Development Coalition
2014
Chris Ellison
District: Eugene School District
2015
Keith Wright
District: Portland Public Schools
2016
Teresa Massey
District: Oregon Department of Education Consultant
2017
Bill Cohen
District: Oregon DMV
2018
Don Lamb
District: Springfield School District
2019
William Swift
District: Bethel School District
2020
Janice Briggs
District: Oregon Department of Education
2021
Tim Iba
District: Oregon Child Development Coalition
2022
Noland Huntington
District: Siuslaw School District
2023
Stacey Cheshire
District: Ashland School District
2024
TBA
District: TBA