Trucker Buddy International recognized its 12 monthly winners from 2010 last week at a trucking industry event in Louisville, Ky.The program helps educate students via a pen pal relationship between drivers and children in grades K-8.

The December honoree, Mercer driver Steven Dyer, got a special treat when four students from his adopted class at Carr Creek Elementary, in Hindman, Ky., came on stage to talk about their relationship with Dyer. One student read a poem about Dyer that ended, “You‘re in our hearts forever.”

Other honorees were:

* Mike Shultz, who drives for Henderson Trucking.

* Shelia Logan, who drives for Interstate Distributors.

* Jacab Person, who drives for K&B Transportation.