Foster Wins Second Annual Region 4 School Bus Road-e-o

Loudoun County Public Schools bus driver Larry Foster participated in the second annual Region 4 School Bus Road-e-o, taking first place on April 18, at Potomac Center. Foster will go on to represent LCPS at the national level.

This regional event brought together contestants from four school districts—Fauquier County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. Each participant demonstrated exceptional skill, focus, and professionalism, highlighting the very best of pupil transportation.

“I appreciate the positivity of the department and the chance to get to know the kids on our route,” Foster said. “LCPS really provided me with some outstanding training and gave me the confidence to be able to trust my training and model that every day when I drive.”

Foster serves as a bus driver and ranger in the Special Trips Department within LCPS Transportation. In this role, he supports students attending private day placements and other non-LCPS settings, as well as students who require additional transportation support, including those in foster care or identified under the McKinney-Vento Act.

“Larry’s reliability, professionalism, and work ethic have had such a meaningful impact on our team,” said his supervisor, Cheryl O’Konek. “He’s always here, always smiling, and always ready to help no matter what we ask him to do. His high scores on both the written and practical portions of the exam are a direct result of his daily commitment to excellence and to safely transporting students to and from school.” 

Foster shared that his experience with the Special Trips team played a key role in preparing him for the Road-e-o. The variety of situations he navigates daily—combined with the strong foundation from LCPS’s four-week driver training program—helped him build the confidence and skills needed to excel in the competition.

Since joining LCPS in March 2020, Foster has demonstrated resilience and dedication. After being released from training on March 9, he drove just one day before in-person learning was suspended. Undeterred, he quickly stepped up to support meal distribution efforts, helping deliver food to students
and families across the county. 

The Road-e-o is not only an exciting competition but also a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication within the LCPS transportation team. The energy, teamwork, and friendly competition made the day a success, and fun for everyone involved.