The annual Parkland School District Transportation Safety Awards Picnic was held recently to recognize and celebrate safe drivers. Funding for this event came from the Parkland Education Foundation and Valley Oral Surgery.

Parkland School District bus drivers were provided a light breakfast and lunch. This year’s lunch was catered by Kornfeind’s Market in Coplay. Entertainment was provided by DJ Troy Laughlin of KJ Lehigh Entertainment.

Awards are based on years of service and safe driving. A magnet with Parkland’s logo and the number of years of service was given to those drivers earning awards.

Ten year award recipients were given a personalized jacket with the Parkland logo. This year’s 10-year award recipients were Georgeann Beattie, Jose Negron, Danielle Mikisits and Nora Walters.

Drivers earning 11-year awards were Carolann Hall, Robert Walker and David Oncay.

Twelve year awards were given to David Flamisch, Raymond Nunn, Sheila Frey and Edward Vasilik.

Awards for 13 years of service were given to Stephanie Fernandes and Susan Yingling.

Award recipients for 14 years of service were Anne Bachman and Geirge Yacoub.

Fifteen year awards were given a winter jacket with the Parkland logo. Those receiving this award were Stacie Jacobus, Sharon Schrantz and John Moyer Jr.

A 16-year-award was given to Donna Kohls.

Nineteen year awards went to Deborah Bausch, Christine Reider and Tiffany Hoffman.

Awards for 21 years went to Ronald Green, Terrie Weidman and Beverly Trunk.

A 22-year award was given to Althea Moyer.

A 23-year award was given to Edward Kennedy.

Donna Weiss was recognized for her 30 years with an engraved plaque and a gift certificate.

Brian Everett received a 31-year award.

Awards were presented by Andrew Hargrove, assistant director of school services for transportation, Danielle Treat, transportation coordinator and Dan Blewiit, garage foreman.

Hargrove offered his gratitude for the drivers. “There are 10,800 students to transport in a 72 square mile district. Drivers travel 1.8 million miles in a year doing this!”

Drivers transport students to elementary schools, middle schools and high school as well as St. Joseph the Worker School and Allentown Central Catholic High School, as well as other private schools in the area. Recognition was given by Timothy Chorones, assistant superintendent and Carol Facchianno, president of the school board.

It was said the drivers are the first school personnel the students encounter and often the last of the day. “Safety and patience are key words for the drivers among other descriptions.” Facchiano said. “I have much respect for what these drivers do every day!”

Businesses supporting the drivers include: Back Home Bagels, coffee from Laszlo Toth, Burger King in Orefield, Tall Timbers, Texas Roadhouse, Rush Veterinary Urgent Care, Weis Markets in Schnecksville, McDonald’s in Schnecksville, Wendy’s in Schnecksville, Red Tomato, Chick-fil-A in Whitehall, Riley’s Restaurant and Pub in Whitehall and Jim Thorpe Wine Trolley Tours.

Thanks was given to the committee for organizing the picnic including Steph Fernandes, Gary Lentz, Christine Reider, Robin Leisher, Debbie Gurgick, Danielle Treat, Terrie Weidman, Andrew Hargrove, Betty Weighknecht, David Flamisch, Lori Smith, Kim Scott, Penny Posch, Brena Negron and Ardith Kuhns.