ESSAY CONTEST

Every day, all over the country, school bus drivers make a difference in the lives of children. So, in 2006, as part of its 90th anniversary celebration, Thomas Built Buses created the "Children's Choice School Bus Driver of the Year" essay contest as a way to recognize those unsung heroes.

The annual contest invites children across North America to nominate their favorite school bus driver and thank them for their dedicated service. Now in its sixth consecutive year, the essay contest is a Thomas Built tradition.

CONTEST DETAILS

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to enter the contest by submitting an essay of at least 90-words about what makes their bus driver so special. Entries will be judged on content, originality and driver qualifications (to be verified by the driver's employer and Thomas Built Buses). Children who enter must have a parent or legal guardian's permission to participate, and must provide a written affidavit signed by their guardian before being named a winner.

PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded to the child who writes the winning essay and to the driver nominated in the winning essay.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Child

• Laptop computer
• Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 school bus lunchbox
• Thomas Built Buses jacket

Driver

• $1,000 Visa® gift card
• Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 school bus lunchbox
• Thomas Built Buses jacket

RUNNER UP

Runner-up finalists each will receive:

• Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 school bus lunchbox
• Thomas Built Buses jacket

Winning entries will be featured on the Thomas Built Buses website and will be included in local and national publicity.

HOW TO ENTER

With the help of their parents, children may enter the contest by mailing an essay of at least 90-words, with or without illustrations, along with a signed permission slip (21 KB PDF file) to the following address:

Children's Choice
HMH
1435 W. Morehead St., Suite 140
Charlotte, NC 28208

*All entries must be postmarked by Friday, July 1, 2011.

Full Contest Rules 17 KB PDF file

Permission Slip 21 KB PDF file

(Rules, flyer and permission slip require Adobe Reader to view/print.)

Download an informational flyer (778 KB PDF file) to help spread the word to more students, parents and teachers.