FCPS Transportation Staff Showcase Skill, Safety, and Teamwork at 2026 Roadeo

Photos by Blake Tamashiro and Dereke Tapscott.

The Office of Transportation Services (OTS) recently hosted its annual Bus Roadeo, bringing together transportation employees from across FCPS for a day of friendly competition, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student safety.

Held at Stonecroft Transportation Center, the 2026 Roadeo showcased the expertise and professionalism of FCPS drivers and attendants through a written test, followed by a series of driving and safety stations, including parallel parking, backing maneuvers, student loading procedures, and pre-trip inspections. Designed to reinforce best practices and sharpen critical skills, the event reflects the high standards transportation employees bring to supporting students each day.

The Roadeo was planned by Jessica Carroll, transportation operations manager; Peter Gado, transportation instructor; and Lisa Ellis, transportation operations manager. It was a great opportunity for transportation employees from across the division to connect, build camaraderie, and strengthen the culture of safety that supports students on every route.

“The Roadeo allows necessary team building for our transportation employees, who are often by themselves on buses throughout the day,” said Carroll, who is celebrating 10 years with FCPS. “It combines a dynamic social atmosphere with a competition that furthers OTS’ mission of safety in the most fun way possible.”

Ellis, a 20-year FCPS employee, said her connection to transportation has always centered on students. “When I started as a driver, I enjoyed being able to take my own children with me,” she said. “I also enjoyed the interactions with students and creating a fun environment while providing a safe bus ride for them.”

Now in a leadership role, Ellis says she values supporting colleagues and strengthening operations across the department.

“I enjoy teaching others and seeing them grow into new positions,” she said. “I enjoy problem-solving and making the pieces fit to complete the puzzle to support smooth operations.”

Gado, who has worked with FCPS for 11 years, reflected on both his time as a driver and his current role supporting new employees.

“When I was a driver, I enjoyed interacting with the kids and trying to be a positive influence in the brief time I spent with them,” Gado said. “As an instructor, I enjoy teaching. It is incredibly satisfying when you see a [driving] student master a skill or a concept that they previously struggled with.”

That mastery was on full display throughout the day, as drivers and attendants navigated challenges designed to mirror real-world driving situations and demonstrate the knowledge, care, and precision required to transport students safely.

The event also offered plenty of celebration, with employees and families gathering to cheer on competitors and connect with colleagues from across the division.

Congratulations to This Year’s Winners: 

Big Bus (Standard Type C) Division
 🥇 Sandy O’Grady (Area 4)  🥈 Gauge Campbell (Area 4 Floater)
 🥉 Min Kang (Area 3 Floater)

Small Bus (Lift-Equipped Special Needs Type C) Division
 🥇 Natasha Watford-Sturgis (Area 2)  🥈 Il Seon Kim (Area 4)
 🥉 Lucia Valentino (Area 1)

First-place winners Sandy O’Grady and Natasha Watford-Sturgis will represent FCPS at the Region IV School Bus Roadeo in Dumfries, Virginia, followed by the Virginia State Bus Roadeo in May.

With its mix of skill-building, safety, and community, the annual Roadeo continues to showcase what makes FCPS transportation staff exceptional.

OTS hosts job fairs regularly .  Apply today ! Questions? Call 571-423-3000 or email  [email protected] .