Cy-Fair ISD Students Win Statewide Honors for Bus Safety Posters as District Prepares Full Transportation Comeback
As Cypress-Fairbanks ISD prepares to fully restore its student transportation services for the 2025-2026 school year, two talented students are helping spotlight the importance of bus safety on a statewide—and soon, national—stage.
Addison Than, an eighth grade student at Anthony Middle School, was awarded first place in Division 3 and named Best of Show in the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) School Bus Safety Poster Contest, the highest honor in the competition. Her winning design, centered around this year’s theme “Safety First – Safety Always,” will now advance to the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) School Bus Safety Poster Contest, where she’ll represent both CFISD and Texas. Than also received a $500 scholarship.
Fifth grader Hannah Ruiz from Metcalf Elementary School also earned accolades, placing second in Division 4 at the state level. Ruiz took home a $100 scholarship after sweeping first place at both the district and regional levels.
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The recognition comes at a particularly meaningful time for CFISD families. Just last month, the district announced that full bus service would return for all eligible students in the 2025-2026 school year after severe cuts to transportation services during the 2024-2025 school year left many families without consistent options. The restoration was made possible following the voter-approved TRE (Tax Ratification Election) and reflects the community’s renewed commitment to safe and reliable school transportation.
“This contest celebrates the same values CFISD is working hard to reinforce—student safety, reliability, and trust,” said Kim Coleman, assistant director of transportation. “We had so much fun visiting the campuses to present winning ribbons, goodies and the TAPT state winner’s checks. The artwork blew us away and showed just how talented and passionate our students and teachers are.”
Metcalf Elementary School fifth grade student Hannah Ruiz’s poster placed second in Division 4 in the The TAPT poster contest invites students across Texas to creatively express the significance of bus safety. Winners receive scholarships and the opportunity to advance through district, regional, state, and national levels. The event also raises public awareness around safety practices, a vital message as CFISD’s fleet prepares to expand back to full operation.
Several other CFISD students also placed in this year’s competition. Metcalf Elementary was particularly well-represented, with Ashia Marie Hernandez, Jerelenymercy Forka, Kinsley Estabillo, and Marta Moran earning district-level recognition, and Hernandez also securing a regional win. Postma Elementary’s Kellen Williams and Magan Dang placed at the district level, with Williams advancing to and winning at regionals. From Walker Elementary, Marah Barefield also received district honors. Sprague Middle School students Nate Suh, Bailey Weber, and Lauren Samuel were celebrated for their district-level contributions as well.
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At the national level, the competition is overseen by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), the premier trade association for the student transportation industry. As a nonprofit, NAPT supports both public and private providers, sets safety and credentialing standards, and drives industry research and education through its affiliate, the NAPT Foundation. Their mission—fostering safe, efficient transportation for students—aligns closely with CFISD’s renewed focus on bus accessibility and safety districtwide.
Than’s upcoming appearance in the NAPT national contest brings national attention not just to her artistic talent, but to the district’s evolving transportation story—one where safety, creativity, and student voices take center stage.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
