Putting Skills in Gear: Wolf Creek Drivers Shine at Provincial School Bus Road-eo

Some of the best school bus drivers in the province put their skills to the test at the 42nd Annual Provincial School Bus Road-eo — among them, three drivers proudly representing Wolf Creek Public Schools.

The event was held June 7 at the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) site in Nisku and featured drivers from more than 20 transportation providers. Drivers navigated through timed obstacle courses designed to test real-world precision, focus, and safety — all in the spirit of friendly competition and professional excellence.

“Drivers really love their kids and want to do the best to protect them, so they challenge themselves every day to stay focused and get them to and from school safely,” said Tammy Freerksen with Wolf Creek Public Schools. “We see drivers returning year after year, like a bus driver family reunion. The event has a wonderful energy with everyone being so supportive of each other.”

Freerksen, who helps coordinate the course, said the drivers’ motivation helps raise the standard of the competition. “Because the drivers want to do so well, it really pushes you to set up a course that they can succeed at,” she said.

In the big bus category:

• 1st place: Diana Savard, First Student Edmonton
  
  
• 2nd place: Samantha Smith, Chinook’s Edge School Division
  
  
• 3rd place: Jordon Freerksen, Prairie Bus Lines
  
  
• Top Rookie: Jenetta Raible, Southland Medicine Hat
  
  

In the small bus category:

• 1st place: Claudia Christen, Prairie Bus Lines
  
  
• 2nd place: Nicole Girouard, First Student Edmonton
  
  
• 3rd place: Terry Campbell, Southland Edmonton
  
  
• Top Rookie: Nancy Clark, Southland Lethbridge
  
  

Most Professional Driver went to Jordon Freerksen of Prairie Bus Lines.

The Team Award was shared by Hedi Hartwick (Southland Calgary), Nancy Hart (Southland Edmonton), Christie Bucholtz (Stock Transportation, Edmonton), and Clayton Orge (Southland Medicine Hat).

A new Outstanding Judge Award, created by Terry Campbell, was also presented for the first time. The award recognizes judges who commit years of service to making the competition fair and supportive. The first recipient was Pat Nickerson from Southland Edmonton.

Representing Wolf Creek were:

• Ben Murto, who finished 6th overall
  
  
• Jerry Witvoet
  
  
• Bryan Pikkert
  
  

All three competed at the provincial level, continuing Wolf Creek’s strong tradition of excellence in school transportation.