LOUISVILLE, KY -- Twelve Trucker Buddies were honored at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March. The drivers were selected based on nominations from their classes and teachers highlighting their dedication to excellence of the Trucker Buddy program.


The extraordinary drivers for 2011 are listed below with comments from their teachers and students.

January 2011:
Ken Armstrong, Swift Transportation
Teacher: Nicola Toomath, Prince Charles Public School Grade 2
"This year, when Ken found out about our primary playground equipment being removed, he suggested applying for a grant from Swift Transportation and helped with the application. The students are so excited when he visits the classroom giving them a glimpse of the truck and they often have questions ready for him months in advance."

February 2011:
Jim Buwalda, Team One
Teacher: Angela Milks, John Brown Elementary School Grade K-6
"Jim has been very generous with my students. He sends postcards, letters, boxes of holiday treats, and money for my students. I know that he spends big bucks on my students every year, and he always wants to know what else he can do for my class."

March 2011:
Duane Donner, Walmart Transportation
Teacher: Laura Schmidt, Douglas Middle School Grade 6-8
"Duane has never faltered or been nervous in relating to these special students. He works hard to come up with ways to make his journeys come alive and be educational for the students. He relates to each student individually, and when they move on to the high school, often he checks on them through letters."

April 2011:
Russ James, Titan Transportation
Teacher: Kristen Belcher, Kaufman Elementary School Grade 3
"Russ loves to visit the class and the students love to see him. He makes the visits special my bringing some samples of the products he hauls and things he's collected on his trips. One visit he surprised the class by bringing his wife and father to let the students meet them and ask questions."

May 2011:
Dave Anderson, Crete Carriers
Teacher: Jenny Gubbels, Woodland Park School Grade 3
One of Mrs. Gubbels' students wrote this, "Thank you for being our Trucker Buddy. I love having you as our Trucker Buddy. I love your truck and think it is cool. Thanks again for being our Trucker Buddy. Signed: Your #1 fan."

June 2011:
Mark Silva, Walmart Transportation
Teacher: Heidi Moore, Ridley Middle School Grade 6
"This is the tenth year (2001-2011) that Mr. Silva has been writing to my students. Over the years, Mark has gone above and beyond what I ever expected him to do. Mark sends the students postcards, from all of the places that he travels."

July 2011:
Craig Dickason, Primes Plastics
Teacher: Laura Conway, JT Williams Elementary School Grade 4
"I just want to thank you for setting our class up with Mr. Dickason. He has communicated regularly, sending pictures and post cards. The students are so excited when I share new communications from him. The Trucker Buddy program is a real asset in my classroom."

August 2011:
Joseph Rich, Wayne Dalton
Teacher: Donna O'Connell, Wading River Elementary School Grade 5
"I'm nominating, Mr. Joseph Rich, for Trucker Buddy of the Month. Mr. Rich has been extremely thoughtful, generous and kind to each and every one of my students. At least once a month he individually writes to each child in my class. My students enjoy receiving the "class envelope" filled with letters."

September 2011:
Tom Byl, Walmart Transportation
Teacher: Cathie Gabrio, Lakeview Elementary School Grade 5
"Mr. Byl has sent the class beautiful postcards from California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon. On the postcards, he has shared his adventures and activities during the months of September 2010 through May 2011.In addition to the cities he has visited, Mr. Byl has shared the wildlife and scenic beauty of the territory."

October 2011:
David Kuklewicz, A&R Transport
Teacher: Deb Wynes, Barker Middle School Grade 6-7
"David has done an exceptional job by corresponding with my students and me often and regularly via post cards, emails, classroom visits (3 total) and texting. With David's help, I have been able to teach my students important concepts about math, geography, writing, social skills and the transportation of goods and manufacturing."

November 2011:
Susan & Henry Gantner, Roadrunner Transportation Services
Teacher: Chassidy Vissering, Pewitt Elementary School Grade 2
"As a Christmas surprise, Ms. Sue and Mr. Henry went the extra mile and drove their big rig to our school. We began the visit with a question and answer session in the classroom where the Gantners listened to each child. They also brought each student tee shirts. We keep up with them on the new Trucker Buddy Mobile App."

December 2011:
Randy Garrett, Archwood Protection
Teacher: Jennifer Austin, Demorest Elementary School Grade 2
"Mr. Garrett has been sending post cards and visiting my class for the last two years. You should see the twinkle in my students' eyes when I announce, "We have mail from our Trucker Buddy!" They love hearing from him. We always pull out the map so we can see exactly where he has been and how far he had to travel."