James Hethcock, a bus driver for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, earned second place in the Transit Bus division at the 52nd annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, held June 27–28 in Austin.

Hethcock scored 571.53 in the Transit Bus division, finishing behind only Brian Rickmann of Beaverton School District in Oregon, who scored 694.

Kevin Beck of Salem-Keizer Public School District in Oregon placed third with 545.87, according to results published by the National School Transportation Association.

To reach the international stage, Hethcock first won first place at the Texas School Bus "Roadeo," the state-level qualifying competition. Drivers must win or place in a state or provincial contest in their designated bus class to advance, according to NSTA rules.

The two-day competition tested drivers from across the United States and Canada. Participants completed a written knowledge exam before navigating a driving course at Hays CISD's transportation facility in Uhland, Texas, designed to assess precision, safety, and vehicle-handling skills. NSTA designated the Uhland facility as the competition's permanent home in 2023.

Winners were recognized Sunday evening, June 28, at the NSTA Safety Competition Driver's Awards Banquet at the Austin Marriott Downtown.

Hethcock was not the only Texan to place. DanHill Marantal of Plano ISD finished second in the Conventional Bus division with a score of 604.33.

GCISD announced Hethcock's achievement on its district website Saturday, July 12, praising the transportation team's skill and dedication. The district noted Hethcock's finish showcased the caliber of its drivers competing on a national and international level.