Perry's Troy Griffith receives 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award

COURTESY OF PERRY SCHOOLS
·2 min read
Troy Griffith, who recently received the 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award from the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, poses for a photo during Back to School Night at the Perry Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
Troy Griffith, who recently received the 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award from the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, poses for a photo during Back to School Night at the Perry Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

The Perry Community School District announced that the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association recognized Troy Griffith as the recipient of the 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award at the most recent school board meeting. This award is given by IPTA to someone who serves in a school transportation director, supervisor, or administrator role, and who has displayed dedication, leadership, and innovation within the field of pupil transportation.

Griffith has demonstrated a commitment to the safe and efficient transportation of students, exemplifying the qualities that the Tom Horn Memorial Award was established to honor. As the transportation director of PCSD, Griffith wears many hats, juggling responsibilities ranging from routing and dispatching to often taking the wheel as a driver when needed.

Max Christensen, Executive Officer of the Transportation Office with the Department of Education, spoke highly of Griffith's accomplishments.

"Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with and get to know tons of school transportation directors, not just here in Iowa. I've watched him grow into being one of the best transportation directors in the State of Iowa," Christensen said.

Superintendent Clark Wicks shakes hands with Troy Griffith, who recently received the 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award from the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, during Back to School Night at the Perry Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
Superintendent Clark Wicks shakes hands with Troy Griffith, who recently received the 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award from the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, during Back to School Night at the Perry Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

Griffith's dedication to his role has had an impact on his district and the community at large for 30 years. Under his leadership, PCSD has maintained a high level of safety and reliability in student transportation even during transportation shortages and the COVID pandemic. Beyond his dedication, Griffith's ability to foster relationships with his team, students, parents, and school personnel members has built his reputation as an effective transportation director.

“Troy truly stays busy, typically putting in 11-12 hour days every day. Yet he’s always got time to help others in need and to offer support and help to whomever may ask," Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks said. "Troy’s number one goal is student safety, he does a great job of keeping us all safe.”

Perry Community School is hiring bus drivers and offering up to $4,000 in incentives. Call Griffith at (515) 465-5513.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Perry's Troy Griffith receives 2023 Tom Horn Memorial Award