HIGH POINT, N.C. — To recognize the contributions individual drivers make to children's safety, Thomas Built Buses is sponsoring its annual Children's Choice School Bus Driver of the Year essay contest, now in its fourth consecutive year.

Students in grades K-6 are encouraged to submit 90-word essays to nominate their favorite driver. The winning essays will be featured on the Thomas Built Website when the contest is closed.

"School bus drivers play an important role in the lives of their passengers," said John O'Leary, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. "While safety of the children is their number one priority, school bus drivers do more to affect the lives of their passengers than even they may realize."

Entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2009. The grand prize winner will earn a $1,000 educational savings bond and a laptop computer for the nominating child, and a $1,000 Visa gift card for the nominated driver.

Winners and runners-up also will receive Thomas Built Buses jackets and Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus lunch boxes.

Completed forms and essays should be mailed to: Children's Choice Essay Contest, HMH, 1435 W. Morehead St., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Visit www.thomasbus.com/contest for complete rules and an entry form.