Third grader awarded Walmart Honorary Truck Driver

Walmart awarded a young boy, Scott Mann, a third grader with Spina Bifida, as an Honorary Truck Driver.

A young trucking enthusiast got a chance to get up close and personal with a big rig when he was named an honorary Walmart truck driver.

Super Heroes and Trucks

Scott loves all things superheroes and trucks. His fascination with trucks began last spring when he met a Walmart Trucker Buddy, Steve Weldon. Weldon met Scott when he visited Scott’s classroom to talk about truck driving.

Weldon partnered with the Walmart Heart Program to honor Scott as an Honorary Truck Driver after he expressed particular interest in the trucking industry.

Walmart truck drivers lift the spirits of children or adults with chronic medical conditions or special needs through Walmart Heart program.

Scott’s Spina Bifida did not keep him from enjoying his special day with the Walmart truck drivers. According to the Spina Bifida Association, “Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina Bifida literally means “split spine.” Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way. Every day, about 8 babies born in the United States have Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine.”

Spina Bifida also restrains individuals from walking and breathing on their own for extended periods of time.

WFMY News reported, “The Walmart Heart Program is an organization fully funded and sponsored by Walmart truck drivers that honors special needs children as Honorary Truck Drivers.”

Scott arrived at the award event to find a superhero cake, miniature trucks, and truck driver friends. He was also able to actually ride in the cab of a Walmart truck.

The smiles that were seen on Scott’s face while in the truck would be hard for any truck driver to forget.

Kudos to Weldon and other drivers involved in making such a life-changing difference. Great job drivers!