National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 9-15, is when America takes the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. To commemorate the event, Acuity sponsored an essay contest aimed at celebrating drivers nationwide. Children 19 and under with family members in trucking answered the question, "How is the truck driver in your family a hero to you and others?”

“The 3.5 million professional men and women in trucking have a tremendous impact on keeping our country running,” said Cliff Johnson, Acuity Trucking Specialist. “The stories we heard through our essay contest showed what an impact truckers have on their families as well.”  

A total of 15 winners in three categories were named. Contest winners are:

• Elementary school
  • First prize, $750: Brooks Dunstan, Beloit, KS
  • Second prize, $500: Christopher Howser, Salisbury, MO
  • Third prize, $250: Jack Kraemer, Kiel, WI
  • Honorable mention: $100: Hayden Pfeifer, Mazon, IL, and Blake Willocks, Maryville, TN
• Middle school
  • First prize, $1,500: Gabby Robbins, Coalville, UT
  • Second prize, $1,000: John Hofer, Parker, Co
  • Third prize, $500: Addie Hofer, Parker, CO
  • Honorable mention, $100: Alyssa Weber, Allegan, MI, and LillyAnn Robbins, Coalville, UT
• High school
  • First prize, $2,500: Gibeon Robbins, Coalville, UT
  • Second prize, $1,500: Meghan Brown, Warrenton, MO
  • Third prize, $1,000: Ashley Howser, Salisbury, MO
  • Honorable mention, $100: Stephanie Vaughan, Iola, WI, and Makayla Wagner, Osage, IA

To see a video of the winning entries, visit www.acuity.com/contest