HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thanks to one of her more grateful passengers, Elaine Brogan of the Branchburg (N.J.) School District was named the “Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year” for 2006.

Second-grader Erica Gagliardi won an essay contest held by Thomas Built Buses in which elementary school students from across the country explained what makes their drivers special.

Erica wrote of Brogan’s skill in teaching bus evacuations and ensuring safe street-crossing. She also described the joy her driver brings to the bus by playing fun music and giving gifts on holidays.

For nominating the winning driver, Erica earned a $1,000 educational savings bond provided by Thomas Built and a laptop provided by Thomas Built partner Electronic Data System Corp. Brogan won a trip for two to the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s convention in Kansas City, Mo., in November.

The contest also recognized four runners-up and one honorable mention. The runners-up were:

• Kurt Anfinson of South Winneshiek School District in Calmar, Iowa — nominated by Micole Lansing.
  

• Hazel Sleeter from Charles W. Lewis Middle School in Blackwood, N.J. — nominated by Emily Antrilli.
  

• Bill Henson of the West Ottawa Public School District in Holland, Mich. — nominated by Tyler MacDonald.
  

• Leetta Vinson of Albany (Ore.) Public Schools — nominated by William Burnett.

  Honorable mention went to Lisa Oliphant from Shepard Elementary School in Statesville, N.C. — nominated by Katie Gibson. All received Thomas Built jackets and Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus lunch boxes.

  Thomas Built officials said that they will reprise the contest this year, with the launch date scheduled for tomorrow.

  To view the top essays from 2006 and more information on the contest, go to www.thomasbus.com/contest.