Harford County Public Schools is proud to announce Ms. Crystal Ryan as the 2024 General Education
Bus Driver of the Year, Ms. Holly Bostic, the 2024 Special Needs Bus Driver of the Year, and Mr. Steven
Arbaugh the Special Needs Bus Attendant of the Year for 2024. The finalists and winners were
recognized at a special ceremony held at Mountain Branch Grill and Pub in Joppatowne on Thursday,
April 25, 2024.
Drivers and attendants were nominated by members of the public, co-workers, and students through an
online nomination form available on hcps.org from September 2023 through February 2024. A committee
comprised of school-based and transportation employees reviewed every nomination before selecting the winners.
“Bus drivers and attendants are the first HCPS face our students see in the morning, and the last they see
at the end of the day,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson. “All our drivers and attendants work
diligently to make that a positive experience for our students, and these three go above and beyond! Their positive attitudes and connection with the students they drive and care for are second to none, and we are extremely lucky to have them driving our students every day.”
General Education Bus Driver of the Year, 2024: Crystal Ryan, Bus 519 has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for six years. Originally from Edgewood, she is a graduate of Joppatowne High School. Her route services students from Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School, and Old Post
Road Elementary School. Ms. Ryan says she loves being a small part of creating a better future, and that it’s important to be flexible with her students and to show them love and kindness. Several students, parents and guardians, and school staff members noted Ms. Ryan obviously cares for the students on her bus and that she goes above and beyond for her students. One student shared how much it means
that Ms. Ryan attends students’ sporting events to show support.
Special Needs Bus Driver of the Year, 2024: Holly Bostic, Bus 471 has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for 23 years. From Harford County, she is a graduate of Harford Technical High School. Her route services students from Dublin Elementary School and Harford Academy. Holly says she loves watching the kids grow and thrive. Ms. Bostic suggests that anyone who drives a bus get to know the students on their bus, and their families. If you get to know them and build a foundation that helps the students be happy and successful; and you end up with relationships that leave handprints on your heart forever. Several families and co-workers pointed out that Holly is a very kind and patient person.
One parent said she always has a smile on her face and shares that because of Ms. Bostic, their student looks forward to the bus ride every morning.
Special Needs Bus Attendant of the Year, 2024: Steven Arbaugh, Bus 349 has been a special needs bus attendant with Harford County Public Schools for 10 years. Originally from Darlington, he graduated from North Harford High School in 2009. An attendant for bus service at Patterson Mill Middle School, Arrow
Riverside, and North Bend Elementary School, Mr. Arbaugh says it is key to get to know the students and listen to them. He aims to make their ride something to remember and says it’s amazing knowing the impact he can have on the students. One of his coworkers remarked that if there was anyone in the world they would want on their team, it was Mr. Arbaugh.
