AYR, Ont. — A Liberty Linehaul driver named Ray White has been accused and found guilty of actually making grade-four geography fun.

That’s according to about 20 students in teacher Sarah Marmara’s class at Adelaide McLaughlin Public School in Oshawa, Ont.

Not only did he make grade four enjoyable, but White is being handsomely rewarded for his efforts. In August, the Georgia-based Trucker Buddy International, a 3,500-driver strong organization dedicated to bringing truckers and elementary school kids closer together, named White the Buddy of the month.

For his efforts, White collects all sorts of great prizes — including a personalized jacket, a $300 check to spend on the class, $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, an IdleAire adaptor, a Koolatron cooler and a complete set of Airtabs his rig.

Liberty President Brian Taylor knew from the get go that White would make a good Trucker Buddy. “Ray was certainly very interested in volunteering, and he has given of his time freely. Ray has put a lot of thought into his interaction with these children. He has worked closely with the teacher and added some real value to their educational experience. Liberty Linehaul is very fortunate to have quality people like Ray.”

Teacher Marmara feels the same way. “Ray is an amazingly special person. He has been a part of our class from pretty much the beginning of the year and was an instant friend to each and every one of my students,” she said. Through White’s frequent e-mails, he ‘recounts his week’s travels in such detail that we often feel like we are right there beside him.'”

The fourth graders track White’s travels throughout Canada and the United States on the class map, which makes learning geography fun. White includes trivia questions in his e-mails and all of the students participate in researching the answers.

“Spirit, inspiration and kindness can be spelt in three letters: ‘RAY.’ Ray is now part of us and we will never forget how much Ray has taught us. He works really hard finding us a lot of educational methods which are interesting and fun!” wrote students Olivia, Jen, Bailey and Julia in their nomination letter.

“Ray tells us just how much he appreciates our letters. Ray gives us challenges to figure out…one challenge was about math and another was about a lady named Adelaide McLaughlin. We will miss writing to Ray next year, he has made this year special,” wrote Emily, Brianna and Desiree.

Says Marmara: “It is evident just how important their education is to Ray.”

When White, who lives in Kitchener, Ont., was able to visit the class with his wife Jean, he also made sure to address important topics such as safety and the importance of accepting each other for who they are.

The children were able to tour the truck — and of course pull the air horn –and the couple treated the children to pizza and drinks, stuffed animals and Trucker Buddy t-shirts.

“Ray continues to make this an unbelievable experience for both my students and myself,” Marmara said. “There are not enough words to thank him for everything he has done for my class.”