Urbana City Schools bus drivers Abbey Mefford (Bus 11) and Michelle Selvage (Bus 15) represented the district at the Regional School Bus Safety Roadeo on Saturday, October 3, at Xenia High School. Both drivers returned for their third year competing, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and the safety of Urbana students.

The competition brought together 55 drivers from eight counties to showcase their knowledge, driving skills and attention to detail. Participants completed a written exam covering Ohio laws and regulations, a pre-trip bus inspection and a challenging driving course. Events tested their ability to navigate tight turns, maneuver around obstacles, approach railroad crossings, back safely and demonstrate proper student pickup and drop-off procedures.

Theresa Nelson, a substitute driver and driver trainer for Urbana City Schools, also attended the event representing Fairbanks Local Schools. Nelson previously served as a full-time Urbana driver for three school years and helped build enthusiasm among drivers to take part in the competition.

While Abbey and Michelle will not advance to the state competition this year, their willingness to participate for a third consecutive year reflects a strong commitment to learning, professional growth and student safety. The Roadeo provides an opportunity for drivers to challenge themselves, sharpen their skills and bring valuable experience back to their daily work transporting students.

Urbana City Schools Transportation Supervisor Mike Puhalla also brings extensive experience to the event. Since spring 2017, Puhalla has served on the State Roadeo Committee, which oversees and maintains the standards and practices for the safety competition and organizes the state-level event following the regional competitions. He has had the honor of serving as committee chair five times, an achievement he attributes to the trust and confidence of his fellow committee members.

This year was also a milestone for Champaign County, with drivers from Graham, Triad, West Liberty-Salem and Urbana City Schools participating. It marked the county's strongest representation at the regional competition in more than two decades.

Urbana City Schools is proud of Abbey and Michelle for representing the district and investing in their continued growth. Their participation, along with Puhalla's leadership at the state level, reflects the district's commitment to safe student transportation and ongoing professional development.

Thank you to our transportation team for the important role they play in keeping our students safe every day. Go Hillclimbers!