For Immediate Release
Subject: Montgomery County Public Schools Bus Drivers Win
National Honors
The 35th Annual National School Bus Safety Competition was
held in the Washington, DC area this past weekend. There was a written
test on Saturday, and the driving competition was held on Sunday.
Josh Simpkins represented Montgomery County Public Schools and Virginia in the
transit class competition. Josh placed first in the nation. Last
year, he placed second in the national competition, which was held in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was the first year Virginia had a transit
class division and the first year anyone from Virginia had been represented in
the transit class at the national level.
Russell Altizer represented MCPS and Virginia in the conventional class
competition. Russell placed second in the state competition this
year. However, the rules allow the first and the second place driver from
the state to participate at the national level. Russell placed second in
the nation. Last year, he placed fifth in the nation. This is the
sixth consecutive year Russell has represented Virginia at the national level,
having placed first or second at the state competition.
“It is indeed an honor to have two talented bus drivers representing us year
after year, “ said Rebecca Mummau, supervisor of transportation for MCPS.