The submission period opened today for pupil transporters and others to nominate an associate, co-worker or friend for an award started four years ago to honor the life of a former Chicago Public Schools transportation director and mentor to the industry.

Peter J. Grandolfo's career spanned 35 years, and he was a nationally recognized school transportation educator, child safety seat expert and regular contributor to School Transportation News magazine and the STN School Bus EXPO Conference before passing away suddenly in January of 2006. He was 59 years old.

Shortly thereafter, STN and Peter's widow Linda developed an award in his memory designed to recognize a pupil transporter who exhibited exemplary service to the industry and to the nation's school children. Wheelchair tie-down and restraint manufacturer Sure-Lok quickly became the award's sponsor.

The first Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence was given to Randy McLerran, the state director of pupil transportation and transfers at the Oklahoma Department of Education, at the 14th STN EXPO in Reno in July 2007. Subsequent winners have been Jack Welsh of the Montana Association for Pupil Transportation in 2008 and Charlie Hood, state director of student transportation at the Florida Department of Education, last year.

Once again, industry professionals are invited to submit a nomination of someone they feel deserving of the honor that bears Grandolfo's name, a pupil transporter who wears on his or her sleeve both a love and dedication to safe and efficient school transportation as well as serving as a mentor to his or her work associates and the entire industry. To be considered, submissions must be accompanied with a 200-word essay that describes the nominee.

The deadline is June 25, 2010. The winner receives a complimentary trip to attend the 17th STN EXPO, July 24-28 in Reno, Nev., and will be honored during a conference event. Round-trip airfare, hotel nights and full EXPO registration are included.