Trucker’s Visit With 4th-Graders

I am compelled to write this letter after a recent visit to Huntington Park. During my visit I discovered a community treasure--Janice Stout, fourth-grade educator at the Miles Avenue Elementary School. I am a cross-country trucker from Texas who began to participate in the Trucker Buddy program several years ago. Trucker Buddies is a nonprofit organization that matches up truckers, like myself, with schoolchildren across the country in an effort to stimulate the children to read and write at higher levels.

By the grace of God I was matched with Stout and her classes of fourth-graders. After several years of corresponding with Jan and her wonderful students, I had the opportunity to visit them at Miles Avenue Elementary on May 7. I must say that it was an absolute thrill visiting this school and its children in my tractor-trailer tanker. Huntington Park and the students at Miles are truly blessed to have Jan Stout, an exceptional person, among their number. Jan has touched my life in such a very special way, as I am sure she touches all of her students. She goes far beyond the call of duty to serve these children and the school, which she attended as a youngster.

I would also like to thank all the children at Miles, the parents and faculty who helped to make my visit so very special. Also a special thanks to Principal Jose Velazquez who graciously allowed me to visit Miles and disrupt the day, and to all the sponsors and supporters of the Trucker Buddy program, which has over 5,000 drivers writing to over 135,000 children around the country. Just wanted you all to know: Trucker Buddies can be reached at 1-800-MY BUDDY.

KEITH BEACH

Buna, Texas