Morgan County’s 2013 School Bus Rodeo winners were recognized by Superintendent Bill Hopkns Jr., left, and Director of Transportation Hank Summerford, right, at a school board meeting Thursday, The winners, from left, are Patrick Dean, Mark McAnally, Michelle Johnson and Jeanette Hoskins. | Clif Knight

Four bus drivers who transport students for Morgan County Schools were recognized as local, state and regional winners in the 2013 School Bus Rodeo Competition at a regular meeting of the Morgan County School Board Thursday night.

Each received congratulations, a handshake and a certificate of appreciation from Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. In addition, Transportation Director Hank Summerford acknowledged receipt of a plaque of appreciation from the director of the regional competition, which was conducted in Huntsville.

Mark McAnally won third place in state competition, and Michelle Johnson finished seventh in the state. Patrick Dean came in ninth in the state and eighth in the region, while Jeanette Hoskins finished third in the county competition.

Johnson drives for Lacey’s Spring School, McAnally drives for Brewer, and Dean and Hoskins both drive for Priceville Schools.

“Our bus drivers play an important part in our school system because they all love children and are devoted to keeping them safe from harm to and from school every day,” said Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. “I appreciate them for what they do and I’m pleased to be able to recognize them as winners in the School Bus Rodeo Competition.”

Summerford also heaped praise on the winners and said he’s likely to see more drivers enter the annual competition.

“We love our job and we compete against each other every year because we feel it makes us better drivers,” said Ms. Hoskins.