Anderson Coach & Travel Family Member Wins 2025 PBA Scholarship
Karina Kunkel, daughter of Tedd and Karen Kunkel, was selected as one of the winners of the 2025 Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) Annual Scholarship Awards. She was referred by Anderson Coach & Travel, where both of her parents are employed.
Karina was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a commemorative plaque. The program, now in its third year, was created to support the educational goals of PBA member families pursuing college degrees or trade certifications.
A Greenville High School graduate, Karina is currently pursuing her RN and BSN through Penn State Shenango and the Jameson School of Nursing in New Castle. After moving from Greenville to Jamestown and now New Castle, she is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse.
“I chose nursing because I love being around people and making a difference,” Karina said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient feel comfortable and cared for, knowing they trust me with their care. I love what I do.”
The PBA scholarship has helped Karina financially and emotionally. It’s not just financial support—it’s encouragement, she said. “It reminds me that others believe in my dreams and are cheering me on. It’s helping me get the supplies I need and focus more fully on my studies.”
Karina is inspired by her parents’ experience at Anderson Coach & Travel. “They really enjoy working there,” she shared. “They feel valued, the company is flexible with their schedules, and they have great relationships with their coworkers.”
“I just want people to know how much this opportunity means to me,” she added. “I’m committed to working hard, finishing school, and going as far as I can in my career.” Karina said she’s excited to give back to the community that has offered her so much support and to make her family proud.
Karina's goal after graduation is to start her nursing career at a local hospital. "I believe it’s important to start in a local hospital setting where I can gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and truly understand what it’s like to work in high-pressure environments such as the emergency room and trauma units."
The PBA scholarship program is open to employees and dependents of member companies who meet academic and enrollment eligibility requirements. The program was developed to promote higher education goals of PBA operator members, and their families, whether it be to pursue a college degree or a trade certification. The Scholarship Program started in 2023. For more information, visit www.pabus.org.
The Kunkels join other Anderson associate families who have benefitted from scholarship opportunities through our membership in professional organizations like PBA, ABA, IMG, and UMA, as well as local visitor bureaus throughout our service area. In 2023, two children of an Anderson Coach & Travel motorcoach operator were named winners of American Bus Association scholarships. Audra Lininger and Bryan Lininger, whose parents are Walter and Eileen Lininger of Ashtabula, OH, were selected for the 2023 round of scholarships from the ABA Foundation. Each was awarded a $5,000 scholarship toward their education. Read more about their awards here. Future rounds of scholarships and applications can be found at www.buses.org.
Looking for a meaningful career on the road?
Anderson Coach & Travel is hiring dedicated individuals to join our team of professional drivers. Here’s what Tedd and Karen Kunkel, the proud parents of our scholarship winner, had to say. You may also know Tedd from the road or as the star of our motorcoach pre-trip video.
Whether you're interested in becoming a motorcoach operator or a school bus driver, we offer paid training, flexible schedules, competitive pay, and the chance to make a difference in your community. No experience? No problem—we’ll help you get started. Learn more and apply here. It's a great opportunity to start a rewarding role in the transportation industry with one of the nation’s most trusted tour bus companies.
Anderson is always looking for school bus drivers to transport our most precious cargo in Reynolds, Conneaut, Greenville, and Jamestown school districts. ACT NOW and join our next training class before school starts this fall!
Wondering if it’s for you? Here are a few things to consider about embarking on a rewarding career driving school bus, a particularly good fit for parents and retirees:
· Schedule Alignment - Work schedule closely mirrors their child's school calendar—working mornings and afternoons with breaks in between, and most weekends and holidays off.
· Natural Understanding of Children - Parents are generally skilled at managing behaviors, resolving conflicts, and creating a nurturing environment for kids. They instinctively prioritize safety because they understand the importance of protecting children—not only as drivers but as caretakers themselves.
· Community-Oriented Mindset - Driving a school bus is a direct way to support that community and be visible in their child's world. Your children can also ride your bus with you.
· Positive Role Modeling - This is a great opportunity to positively influence other children beyond your own by modeling respect, responsibility, and courtesy.
· Increased Job Satisfaction - Seeing youth benefiting from a safe, consistent transportation environment, it gives greater meaning to the role.
· Strong Communication Skills - Navigating school communication, coordinating family activities, and advocating for their children all build the kinds of communication skills that translate well to managing a school bus route
Need to rent a charter bus?
Planning a group trip, school outing, wedding, or corporate event? Anderson makes it easy to rent a charter bus with comfort, safety, and professional service.
Anderson offers a variety of vehicle sizes to meet all your travel needs. No matter the size of your group or where you’re going, we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready to hit the road, request a quote.
As one of the area's leading charter bus providers, we’ve put together helpful tips to make your experience stress-free. Visit GoAnderson.com/charter-tips to learn how to choose the best option for your group travel needs.
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