The primary responsibility of school bus drivers is the safety of their passengers, but many go above and beyond to enhance the bus-riding experience for students.

That’s why Thomas Built Buses introduced the annual "Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year" essay contest in 2006 to honor these "unsung heroes."

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to submit essays of at least 90 words to nominate their favorite school bus drivers. The nominated driver will receive a $1,000 Visa® gift card, and the grand prize nominating child winner will receive a laptop computer, among other prizes.

For more information on the contest, visit http://www.thomasbus.com/about-us/essay-contest/. The next "Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year" could be you!

Kelley Platt, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, at NAPT with the 2010 essay contest winning driver, Lester LeMasters, from Monongalia County Schools in Morgantown, W.V., and Chancellor, the essay’s author.