Students and staff at Millbridge Elementary School recently had a visit from their Trucker Buddy, Chris Sawyer, with Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.
Trucker Buddy International is a nonprofit organization that began in 1992. The purpose is to help inform and mentor students.
Chris is at Old Dominion’s Morristown, Tenn., service center.
Since January, selected classes of students in third through fifth grades at Millbridge have contacted their buddy via a pen pal relationship.
Every week Trucker Buddy Chris shares news about his travels with the students. Chris sends his letters to curriculum coach Megon Mancini.
The letters teach students facts about different states. This information is shared on the school morning news show every Tuesday in a segment that has been titled “Truckin’ Tuesday.” This program helps boost students’ skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies and history.
During his school visit, the entire school was able to meet Chris and see his Old Dominion truck and trailer. Each grade level started with a meet-and-greet session where students were able to talk with Chris and ask him questions.
All students had the opportunity to go in the truck and blow the air horn. Being a part of this program has made learning fun and allows Chris to take students on virtual tours of places they have not visited.