Trucker Buddy News

Trucker Buddy news

Third time’s the charm for Driver of the Month

Trucker Buddy Clayton James was so inspiring to Dian Curtis’ fifth-grade classes each school year that she continued nominating him as Driver of the Month over and over again. In September, he was named the ACS MultiMedia Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month.
     “Every year, it gets better and better,” Curtis says of Clayton, who joined the program as a volunteer in 2003, corresponding with Curtis’ students at Ellisville Elementary School in Ellisville, MO. “He is awesome.”
     “This information enhances our curriculum: historical sites with interesting facts about the country for so-cial studies, math for computing word problems such as distances from city to city or truck weight and reading to improve our comprehension,” Curtis relates. “Mr. James offers encouragement to the class in every letter and postcard by reminding them to keep reading throughout their lives.”
     The nomination letters from the students often tell the story the best: “The most important thing is he inspires us to read,” writes student Jerrick, who notes that James provided books for the school library.
     All of the students were touched by James’ generous nature, evidenced by the fact that all of the students’ letters noted his gift of books to the school library and the $15 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble he gave all 24 students to encourage reading. Student Jacob made a list to make sure the nominating committee did not overlook anything: 1. personal letters, 2. sent postcards about states, 3. encourages us to read, 4. gave $15 gift cards for all 24 students, 5. gave us books for the school library, 6. gave us pizza coupons so we can have pizza parties, and 7. he came to visit us and gave us safety tips about semi-trucks.
     Lessons about trucking also had a big impact on students: “Mr. James gave us a truck safety highway driving lesson to share with our parents,” writes student Katelyn.
     James, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, was a company driver for Seward Motor Freight while paired with Curtis’ class. Now retired from trucking, he lives in Kansas City, MO.
     Each Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month receives a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of program sponsor ACS MultiMedia Advertising. Drivers and teachers can find out more about the program by visiting www.trucker-buddy.org or calling 1-800-MY-BUDDY.

Photo caption:
Trucker Buddy Clayton James shares his expertise with Dian Curtis’ fifth-grade class