Finalists selected for their transformative contributions to student transportation across four categories of innovation.

EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced the finalists for its inaugural Modern Student Transportation Awards, a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting school district leaders who are embracing modern tools, inclusive practices and a commitment to safety and accessibility in student transportation.

The awards recognize district leaders who are improving student transportation for diverse populations, including those experiencing housing instability and requiring specialized services, through thoughtful innovation and care. Finalists stood out for their efforts to make transportation more inclusive, reliable, and safe, whether by utilizing new technologies, designing flexible systems to meet diverse student needs, or demonstrating exceptional compassion in how services are delivered.

“We’re at an exciting moment in student transportation, where school districts across the country are extending the boundaries of what’s possible through modern, student-centered solutions,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “The Modern Student Transportation Awards celebrate that spirit of innovation and collaboration, and it’s an honor to recognize all of the nominees who are shaping the future of how students get to school safely and efficiently.”

Award Categories

Finalists were nominated across four categories, each representing a core pillar of modern student transportation.

• Equity in Education Accessibility Award
  
  Honors district leaders who deliver scalable and inclusive transportation solutions for underserved student populations.
• Humanitarian Award
  
  Highlights extraordinary care and compassion in ensuring every student gets to school safely and consistently.
• Safety & Reliability Award
  
  Recognizes standout practices that enhance the safety and consistency of student transportation.
• Top Innovator Award
  
  Celebrates the most impactful use of modern, AI-enabled technology in school transportation.

Meet the Finalists

The district leaders below were selected for their outstanding contributions to student transportation related to the categories above.

• Jameelah Davis, Program Coordinator – Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, FL
• Kayla Denaco, Assistant Director of Transportation – Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, ME
• Laura Hill, General Manager, Transportation Services -- Hillsborough County Transportation School Department – Hillsborough School District, Tampa, FL
• Earl Kent III, Route Planning Manager – Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO
• Lori Knochelmann, McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Coordinator – Covington Independent Public Schools, Covington, KY
• Marla Lynn, Director of Transportation – Grandview School District, Grandview, MO
• Sarah Nanny, Transportation Department Secretary – Escambia County School District, Pensacola, FL
• Quanika Dukes-Spruill, Executive Director – Newark Public Schools, Newark, NJ
• Jeremy Stowe, Director of Transportation – Buncombe County Schools, Asheville, NC
• Pat Ward, Former Director of Maintenance and Transportation – Allen Park Public Schools, Allen Park, MI

Winners To Be Announced

Winners will be announced on November 6, 2025. The winners are selected by a panel of judges that scored nominations across four dimensions:

• Tangible student impact: Presenting clear evidence of real, measurable benefits for students (attendance, safety, accessibility, well-being, etc.).
• Comprehensiveness: How fully the initiative addresses the challenge -- depth of planning, execution, and stakeholder involvement.
• Scalability and sustainability: Potential for the initiative to be expanded within the district, adopted by others elsewhere, and that it will endure over time.
• Creativity: Delivers a fresh, forward-thinking approach; challenging the traditional model with inventive solutions, bold ideas, or unconventional strategies that break from “the way it’s always been done” to achieve better student outcomes.

The judging panel includes Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven; Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection; Kevin Gordon, President at Capital Advisors; and Glenna Wright-Gallo, Vice President of Policy at Everway.

Each winner will receive:

• A $2,500 college scholarship to be awarded to a student in their district who qualifies under the McKinney-Vento Act or receives special education services;
• A full conference pass and paid travel to the 2025 TSD Conference, November 6 to 11;
• A customized plaque;
• A digital winner’s seal for use across marketing materials and social media.

About EverDriven

EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that's safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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