HIGH POINT, N.C. — Hundreds of children across the country nominated their favorite school bus driver for the third annual Thomas Built Buses Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year national essay contest.

This year’s winning essay was submitted by Matthew, a second-grader from Ridgefield, Conn. In the 90-word essay, Matthew described how his bus driver — Sharon Scott of Ridgefield Public Schools — ensured his and his fellow passengers’ safety during a severe storm, leading him to nominate her.

Scott has been driving school buses for 16 years. As Thomas Built Buses’ 2008 School Bus Driver of the Year, Scott will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card. Matthew will receive a $1,000 educational savings bond and a laptop computer. The two will also get Thomas Built jackets and Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus lunch boxes.

Thomas Built Buses created the national Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year essay contest in 2006 during its 90th anniversary year to recognize and thank bus drivers for their hard work and dedication.

Representatives from the National Association for Pupil Transportation, SCHOOL BUS FLEET magazine and Thomas Built Buses judged the entries based on content and originality. Thomas Built verified driver qualifications with each district.

For more information on the contest, photos and scans of top-placing essays and accompanying illustrations, visit www.thomasbus.com/contest.