"Children's Choice School Bus Driver of the Year"
Every day, all over the country, school bus drivers make a difference in the lives of children. So in 2006, as a way to recognize those drivers, Thomas Built Buses established the "Children's Choice School Bus Driver of the Year" essay contest.
The contest invites children across the country to nominate their favorite school bus driver and thank them for their dedicated service.
WINNER
DRIVER - Sharon Scott
CHILD - Matthew
- Number of Years Driving a School Bus - 16
- Type of Bus - Thomas Built
- School District - Ridgefield, CT
- Favorite thing about being a school bus driver - "I love working with children. They truly are one of life's greatest gifts. I also like that because I only work during school hours, I am able to spend a lot of time with my own children and take a more active role in their lives."
Grand Prize Winner, Sharon ScottRUNNERS UP
DRIVER - Dianne Swartz
CHILD - Madison
- Number of Years Driving a School Bus - 16
- Type of Bus - Thomas Built
- School District - Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Favorite thing about being a school bus driver - "I enjoy being a school bus driver because every morning I start the children's day with a friendly hello and a smile. They know they can count on me to be there and usually on time. I have watched the children from kindergarten up through eighth grade grow up and be very special to me.."
Dianne SwartzDRIVER - Bernadine Stickle
CHILD - Nicholas
- Number of Years Driving a School Bus - almost 4
- Type of Bus - International
- School District - Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Favorite thing about being a school bus driver - "I enjoy the children the most. They are very precious, and I like being a happy face and friendly voice they can depend on every school day."
Bernadine StickleDRIVER - Shari Dilday
CHILD - Tamia
- Number of Years Driving a School Bus - 4
- Type of Bus - Thomas Built
- School District - Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Favorite thing about being a school bus driver - "I have great children on my bus! I love watching them grow up. We are lucky that we get to keep the same routes each year."
Shari Dilday