Northern California Students Win AAA School Safety Patrol Award

Press release from AAA Northern California:

May 8, 2021

AAA Northern California would like to congratulate five Northern California elementary school students for their leadership, volunteerism, and safety skills during the pandemic as part of its longstanding AAA School Safety Patrol program.

More than 40,000 students in nearly 1,500 schools across California participate in AAA School Safety Patrol. The following students earned the Patroller of the Year award:

• Ellie Page, Ione Elementary (Ione, Calif.)
• Jocelyn Uribe-Perez, Greenleaf Elementary (Oakland, Calif.)
• Giselle Barajas, Joaquin Miller Elementary (Oakland, Calif.)
• Daisy Casey, Martin Elementary (San Francisco, Calif.)
• Kari Aguirre, St. Vincent Ferrer School (Vallejo, Calif.)

In addition, Patrick Clearwater from Ione Elementary (Ione, Calif.) received an honorable mention.Ellie Page, a 5th grade student at Ione Elementary, used her creativity to teach students about safety during a pandemic. She interviewed police officers and produced videos for students to learn about safety while remote learning. “I didn’t think I could help other people because I didn’t feel confident helping myself,” said Page. “Each interview I became a little less nervous and a little more confident. The other kids at my school started watching the videos and recognized me. I felt like a brave leader.”AAA Northern California is also recognizing five advisors with the Patrol Advisor of the Year award:

• Michael Huss, Ione Elementary (Ione, Calif).
• Teresa Ojeda, Global Family (Oakland, Calif.)
• Erin Valenzuela, Joaquin Miller Elementary (Oakland, Calif.)
• Ryan Lamberton, Los Amigos de Manzanita Seed (Oakland, Calif.)
• Deborah Carlino, Martin Elementary, (San Francisco, Calif.)

“We are proud to celebrate the student leaders and advisors who made a positive difference in their community during a very difficult school year,” said Karen Bianchini, Senior Vice President, Community Impact at AAA Northern California. “Thank you for all that you do to keep your school and community safe.”Over the last 100 years, the AAA School Safety Patrol program has helped students become change-makers by inspiring them to build safer, more inclusive communities. The pandemic presented unique challenges for Patrollers, given the remote learning environment.Students will receive a plaque in recognition of their work. Patrol advisors will receive a $2,000 grant to support the AAA School Safety Patrol program on their campus.

This press release was produced by AAA Northern California. The views expressed here are the author's own.