WACO, TX – The Texas Association for Pupil Transportation held its 23rd Annual State School Bus Safety Contest on Monday, April 22, at Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco. A total of 15 students from across the state prepared and presented an original oration to convey the school bus safety topic for the year. This year’s speech contest topic was “Driving Safely Into the Future.”

The speech contest included sections for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 and awarded scholarships to the top three students at each level. The overall first place winner will deliver their speech and receive their award at the TAPT Conference and Trade Show in Corpus Christi in June 2024.

Overall Winner - Riley Ball, Clifton ISD, Region 12, $1,000

9th Grade Winners

1st Place - Pepper Mayfield, Clifton ISD, Region 12, $600

2nd Place - Anvika Jain, Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13, $400

3rd Place - Edgar Hernandez, Borger ISD, Region 15, $200

10th Grade Winners

1st Place - Elizabeth Worsham, Amarillo ISD, Region 16, $600

2nd Place - Elijah Slater, Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13, $400

3rd Place - Michael Grau, Rockwall ISD, Region 10, $200

11th Grade Winners

1st Place - Blake Donaho, China Spring ISD, Region 12, $600

2nd Place - Miyah Chaves, Amarillo ISD, Region 16, $400

3rd Place - Jaeli Nunez, Presidio ISD, Region 18, $200

12th Grade Winners

1st Place - Riley Ball, Clifton ISD, Region 12,

2nd Place - Emmalynn Reilly, Amarillo ISD, Region 16, $400

3rd Place - Dafne Ortiz, Presidio ISD, Region 18, $200

For more information, please contact Pam McCurdy at pmccurdy@esc12.net.