HCS auto mechanic wins state competition

 

Congratulations to Tim Cullen, automotive mechanic with Hampton City Schools transportation department. He won the Virginia Best School Bus Technician Competition in Richmond, VA at the 2025 VAPT/SESPTC Conference. Cullen earned first among 21 other mechanics.

 

The first portion of the competition consisted of a 50-question written exam administered and scored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

 

In the second half, technicians rotated through two practical bus stations: one involving diagnostic troubleshooting on a non-starting school bus, and another focused on completing part of the Virginia Department of Education’s 45-day school bus safety inspection.

 

Cullen earned the highest overall score among all competitors, achieving an impressive overall score of 178. The second and third place scores were 172.5 and 161, respectively.

 

“I’ve been attending the VAPT conference for over 26 years, and this is the first time Hampton City Schools has placed first, said Darrin Wills, HCS director of transportation. “Tim competed against top mechanics from multiple districts under tight time constraints and came out on top. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and talented team of mechanics here at HCS. Special thanks to Brian Schoorens, our shop manager; Ken Craig, assistant shop manager; and the entire HCS mechanics team for their outstanding work.”