Celebrating School Bus Safety in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration honored nine students and three school bus drivers on Wednesday for their efforts in promoting school bus safety during a ceremony held at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. This event, part of the state’s observance of National School Bus Safety Week, emphasized Pennsylvania’s continued dedication to transportation safety and community awareness.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) jointly organized the ceremony, where awards were given to the winners of the 2025 School Bus Safety Poster Contest and the 46th State School Bus Driver Safety Competition.
“With another school year beginning, school buses have returned to our roadways, and the Shapiro Administration is focused on ensuring young Pennsylvanians get to and from school safely,” said Dios Arroyo, PennDOT Director of Driver Licensing. “School Bus Safety Week is a chance for everyone to reflect on how our actions behind the wheel can impact the lives of children.”
Corporal Zeina Black of the Pennsylvania State Police added, “Keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school and activities is the top priority for bus drivers. They are on the front lines, working every day to do an incredible job.”
Poster Contest and Driving Competition
This year’s poster contest received 315 student entries with the theme “Safety First – Safety Always.” The first-place winners will move on to a national competition later this month. In the driving competition, over 50 professional bus drivers showcased their skills through written and on-road tests.
In the conventional bus category, Chester County’s JoAnne Cowan of Krapf School Bus took first place, followed by Angie Martin of Brightbill Transport in Lancaster County and Patricia Carey, also of Krapf School Bus.
Importance of School Bus Safety
Events like these go beyond just recognition. They draw public attention to road safety and remind communities of the vital role that bus drivers and safety education play in protecting more than 1.4 million Pennsylvania students who are transported daily.
By fostering a culture of safety awareness—from the classroom to the driver’s seat—the state highlights that preventing accidents starts with education, vigilance, and respect for those who keep children safe every day.
The Role of Education and Awareness
School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder of the importance of education and awareness in ensuring safe travel for students. It encourages both drivers and the general public to be mindful of the responsibilities they hold when sharing the roads with school buses.
For students, the poster contest provides an opportunity to express their understanding of safety through creative expression. For drivers, the competition tests their skills and commitment to maintaining high standards of safety on the road.
These initiatives not only recognize individual efforts but also promote a broader message about the importance of road safety. They reinforce the idea that every person on the road has a role to play in keeping children safe.
A Community Effort
The collaboration between PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police demonstrates a shared commitment to improving transportation safety across the state. By working together, these organizations help create a safer environment for students, drivers, and the public.
The recognition of students and drivers during School Bus Safety Week highlights the value of their contributions and encourages others to follow their example. It also serves as a reminder that safety is a collective responsibility that requires ongoing effort and attention.
Through events like these, Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in promoting school bus safety and ensuring that all students can travel to and from school without unnecessary risk.
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