WSD Bus Drivers Wrangle Spots in Top Three at Regional School Bus 'Roadeo'

The Central Washington Association for Pupil Transportation (CWAPT) held its Annual School Bus Roadeo at the Sunnyside School Transportation Facility last weekend, and the event was a great success. The competition showcased bus drivers' exemplary skills and dedication while emphasizing the paramount importance of safety in student transportation. 

The Wenatchee school district was well represented at the event, with five drivers competing for top honors. Doug Kassebaum (2nd place) and Stephanie Radway (3rd place) both finished in the top three for their respective team, earning a spot in the state-level competition in June. The other drivers, Rick Pepin, Don Talbot, and Steve Kunkel, also performed admirably in the competition.

The School Bus Roadeo is a time-honored tradition in Central Washington, and it serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our bus drivers. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring students' safe and timely transportation to and from school every day.

The event featured a range of challenging courses that tested the participants' maneuvering skills, precision, and knowledge of safety protocols. The drivers navigated through various obstacles and scenarios, demonstrating their ability to handle real-life situations with confidence and proficiency. They also inspected a school bus and identified any flaws that may compromise its safety. In addition, they took a written test featuring questions on safety policies and first-aid laws that govern school transportation.

The Wenatchee judges for the competition were Lisa Rose and Dwain Simpson, who had the difficult task of selecting the winners. The event was attended by a large number of spectators who cheered on the drivers and appreciated the importance of safe school transportation.

The School Bus Roadeo is an excellent opportunity for bus drivers to showcase their skills, and we congratulate the Wenatchee drivers who participated in the event. We wish Doug Kassebaum and Stephanie Radway the best of luck as they move on to the state-level competition.