Wake County Drivers Earn Top Honors at 2009 Bus Roadeo

Fourth place winner Stephanie High with State Roadeo officials.
First place winner Billy McKemey with State Roadeo officials.
June 24, 2009 - Taking their driving skills to the obstacle course, school bus drivers from across North Carolina converged on the State Fairgrounds to compete with each other for top honors at the 2009 State Roadeo on June 16. Two Wake County Public School System bus drivers placed in the top 10 in this high-stakes, yet friendly competition.

Billy McKemey, a Fuquay bus driver who won second place during last year’s competition, received the first place trophy this year along with a $500 cash prize and the right to compete in the National Bus Roadeo Competition held in Greensboro on July 18-19.

Another Wake County bus driver, Stephanie High from Millbrook, received the fourth place plaque and a $100 cash prize.

The competition included the top ten drivers from district Roadeos held across the state. During the competition, the bus drivers drove for time and accuracy while testing a variety of driving skills including diminishing clearance, backing, right turn and parallel parking.

The Roadeo events are sponsored by North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association, the Division of Motor Vehicles and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Transportation Services Section.