Bus Driver Julio Ospina Wins National Special Needs Driver of the Year Award for Heroic Student Rescue

Wylie ISD Special Education Bus Driver Julio Ospina was selected as the 2025 National Special Needs Driver of the Year by AMF Bruns America.

He was surprised with the honor and a $1,000 check Dec. 4 at the Wylie ISD Transportation Center, surrounded by Wylie ISD bus drivers, transportation personnel, and district leadership.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” Ospina said.

The National Special Needs Driver of the Year award honors transportation professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism, and compassion in serving students with special needs.

According to AMF Bruns America’s National Account Manager, Maritza Valentin, Ospina’s nomination stood out because of one extraordinary moment of heroism.

She recounted a powerful story from last school year that demonstrated Ospina’s instinct and heart for student safety. After finishing his afternoon route, Ospina noticed a young child walking alone along the roadway wearing a harness. This situation immediately struck him as unsafe. Trusting his training and intuition, he stopped his bus to check on the child.

“Trusting his instincts and training, Julio quickly realized something wasn’t right,” Valentin said. “That little boy trusted the man in the school bus.”

Ospina contacted the authorities and learned that the child had been reported missing from a neighboring school district that morning. He stayed with the child until police arrived, ensuring the student remained safe and calm.

“Thanks to his swift action, the child was safely transported into the care of law enforcement and eventually to relieved family members, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome,” Valentin said.

Ospina’s wife, Liz Ospina, proudly nominated him for the national award.

“This act wasn’t part of his job description, but it is exactly who Julio is,” Liz said. “His attentiveness, quick thinking, and compassion turned a potentially dangerous situation into one of peace and safety.”

“These are the stories we want to share,” Valentin said. “He noticed something that was not right and took action.”

Ospina has worked in student transportation for the last 20 years, joining Wylie ISD two years ago.

“It was just second nature to stop and help,” Ospina said. “It was a kid; they're all my kids. My instincts just kicked in.”

Bus drivers play a vital role in supporting students beyond the classroom.

“The relationships [they] build impact each child’s journey, both academically and personally,” Valentin said.

Known for manufacturing occupant and wheelchair securement systems, AMF Bruns of America sponsors the national award annually to highlight outstanding contributions to the safe transportation of people with limited mobility.

Texas Department of Public Safety State Director Christie Hebert also attended the celebration to honor Ospina’s incredible achievement.

Wylie ISD is proud of Julio Ospina and the extraordinary dedication he shows every day. Stories like his embody what it means to be Proud to be Wylie ISD.