The weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the 2024 Provincial School Bus Road-eo on June 8, as 45 judges and 75 competitors gathered at the AMTA site in Nisku.
Wolf Creek drivers Ben Murto, Jerry Witvoet, and Andria Helland competed in the big bus category alongside participants from across Alberta.
The day started with a written test and a judges' meeting, followed by rigorous road maneuvers designed to simulate daily driving scenarios, according to a release.
Competitors navigated an obstacle course featuring tasks such as student pick-up, railroad crossings, right and left turns, curb parking, backing into a stall, parallel parking, and manoeuvering through narrow stalls and offset alleys.
"It's about being the best you can be and challenging yourself to stay collected in front of over 100 of your peers while driving through some very challenging obstacles," said Tammy Freerksen, administrative assistant and trainer with Wolf Creek Public Schools.
"These skills are essential when managing a bus full of children, requiring drivers to maintain composure and adapt quickly in heavy traffic around schools. The School Bus Road-eo not only enhances these driver skills but also provides a fun and team-building environment, bringing together drivers and judges in a yearly family reunion, road-eo style," said Freerksen.
"Congratulations to the first-place winners - Kelly Frere (big bus) and Terry Campbell (small bus, dedicated in memoriam of Dodo Freerksen)."
Special recognition also went to Jordon Freerksen (third place, big bus), Claudia Christen (second place, small bus), and Nadine Young (third place, small bus) for their performances, said Freerksen.
"A heartfelt thank you to the Road-eo committee for their efforts in organizing a successful competition and to the sponsors for their invaluable support."