HIGH POINT, N.C. — Once again, Thomas Built Buses has selected the winner of its annual Children's Choice Driver of the Year contest. This year’s winner was nominated by Luke Stehr, an 8-year-old from Trussville, Ala., who wrote that "Mrs. Renea, hands down, should be bus driver of the year."

The contest, now in its fourth year, began as part of Thomas’ 90th anniversary celebration and received more than 1,000 essay this year.

"The contest is a way for us to thank the school bus drivers who take such good care of their precious cargo, and to recognize the important role they play in students' lives," said Thomas Built Buses President and CEO John O'Leary in a recent statement.

Along with winning top honors, Cataldo will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card, while Stehr will be sent a $1,000 education savings bond and a laptop computer.

Runners-up included: Sam McGroom from Hillsborough, N.C., nominated by Chase K. and Sheree Cook from Trussville, Ala., nominated by Suzanne V. Honorable mentions include Joe Cimmarrusti from Saint Charles, Ill., and Walter Ritchea from Wheeling, W.V.