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"Reflections"

Although times were very different, I was fortunate to serve as your CASTO State 1st Vice President this past year. Who would have thought any of us would have lived long enough to see a global pandemic? If you told me we would, I would not have believed you. Even though this new way of living has been crazy, I tried my hardest to make the best of it and to help others see the positive things by telling them, “We are all still alive, breathing, and have our health.” Another common statement made by many of us in the CASTO world was, “Thank goodness we had the annual CASTO State Conference in February 2020!” When I headed home from Sacramento, it felt as if I walked off the plane and COVID-19 was all over the news. Since becoming a CASTO member 13 years ago, it felt strange having the 52nd Annual State Conference in the month of February, but I am so grateful we had the opportunity to see one another before the world experienced something like never before. Many people attended the conference and everyone had an amazing time celebrating the 50th anniversary of the California Department of Education, Office of School Transportation. Having the opportunity to see this amazing industry and all the valued Instructors who are highly respected, is always a treat.

Who would have thought we would be holding our next annual conference “virtually?” Even though it was so different, it felt normal since we have all been doing so much business virtually. With that in mind, I was so happy to see the great turnout and hear so many positive compliments about the first virtual conference – our 53rd Annual State Conference. We received so many wonderful comments in the “chat” when keynote speaker Ryan Avery showed us how to be “THE” leader instead of “A” leader. We also received raving remarks about Ross Bernstein’s program describing how the DNA of sports champions is unique and listened to his way of relating it back to the business world. Both speakers provided such awesome and inspiring messages!

I look forward to working with the newly elected CASTO State Board: Mike, Kerri, Christina, Amanda, Angeles, and Tony. I am excited to work with the most talented and hard-working individuals to plan our next Mechanic’s Workshop, Business Management Forum, State Conference, and Roadeos.

Cordially,

Matt Thomas, 2021-2022 CASTO State President