BusRight Proudly Honors Texas Special Education School Bus Driver with Inaugural 'Behind The Wheel' Award

BusRight, the leading all-in-one student transportation technology platform, today announced Lawson Crook, a special education bus driver for Sulphur Springs Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, as the winner of its inaugural Behind The Wheel Award. Crook was selected for his extraordinary commitment to the students he serves from a pool of more than 300 nominations BusRight received from transportation leaders nationwide. Launched in April on National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, BusRight’s Behind The Wheel Award recognizes the significant impact school bus drivers have on their communities. It was created to further underscore BusRight's mission to support safe, reliable and efficient student transportation, while highlighting the considerable efforts of the dedicated transportation professionals who make it possible.

"School bus drivers play a deeply meaningful role in the lives of every student they serve, helping ensure safe, consistent, daily transportation and acting as trusted members of the school community,” said Keith Corso, Co-Founder and CEO of BusRight. "The Behind The Wheel Award shines a well-deserved light on these drivers, and from 322 compelling nominations and 13 finalists, Lawson stood out this year for exemplifying the award and demonstrating the devotion and care BusRight is immensely proud to recognize.”

A retired educator and coach, Crook applies the same philosophy during a multi-school bus route that guided his work for 26 years in the classroom and on the athletic field: building trust, consistency and respect in every interaction. He picks up his special education students at their doorsteps, helping ensure safe, reliable transportation. His commitment to students is echoed by his family and colleagues, who describe him as a lifelong educator at heart, and despite facing significant health challenges this year, Crook missed only a few days and returned to his route quickly, driven by his dedication to his work.

“Lawson brings to his current position as a driver a deep understanding of the students and community he serves,” said Dan Froneberger, Transportation Director for Sulphur Springs ISD.  “He approaches every route with the same patience, care and sense of responsibility that characterized his many years as an educator, always prioritizing student safety and treating every child and staff member with respect, consideration and kindness.”

As the winning district, Sulphur Springs ISD will receive a donation of up to 300 Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 tablets to support students in its Special Education and Connection programs, which help graduates continue developing life and vocational skills through hands-on learning experiences at home and on the farm. In addition, Crook will receive a gift package valued at $500.

More than 20 million students across the country rely on school transportation, making school bus drivers a critical part of the nation's educational ecosystem. The Behind The Wheel Award recognizes the incalculable impact these individuals bring to their roles and the tremendous difference they make in the lives of students and families. 

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