AAA School Safety Patrol Awards
The AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award recognizes patrollers who have saved the life of another person while on duty. Since its establishment in 1949, the Lifesaving Award has been presented to more than 387 patrollers from 31 states and the District Columbia. Fifty-nine of those Lifesavers have come from AAA Mid-Atlantic's service area.
AAA National honored five AAA School Safety Patrols™ for their heroic efforts by making split- second decisions that saved lives. Norman L. Wallace, Jr., from AAA Mid-Atlantic’s service area was one of the five patrols honored. He received the AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving medal during an awards ceremony on May 20 in Washington, DC.
Norman L. Wallace, Jr., was at his bus patrol post for Hybla Valley Elementary in Alexandria, VA one afternoon where he rides the bus and helps safely direct children as they exit. During a routine stop, Norman was outside the bus on crossing duty. Behind him, he heard the revving engine of a car and turned to see a vehicle turning onto the street. The vehicle was speeding and quickly approaching the bus and a 5-year old girl who was crossing the street. Norman quickly grabbed the girl and pulled her close as the car sped past the bus with no regard for its flashing red lights and outstretched stop sign. The bus driver witnessed the entire incident and said Norman acted quickly and remained calm. The bus driver and students are grateful for Norman’s quick thinking and feel safer knowing that he is a part of the bus-safety program.
Also honored at the event in Washington, DC was AAA Mid-Atlantic’s “Patroller of the Year,” Jessica Wirth a fifth grade student at Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary, in Front Royal, VA. Jessica joined her school's patrol program because she thought she could make a difference and help protect the safety of her fellow students. She is often described by the adults at her school as trustworthy, caring, helpful, dedicated and responsible. Jessica works hard to control negativity by being kind to others and lending a helping hand whenever she can. By earning the respect of her peers, Jessica has evolved into a strong, outgoing leader and role model at her school and has made many friends.
On a local level, The Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education sponsored awards luncheons to honor the most Outstanding AAA School Safety Patrols of the 2008-2009 school year. In total, 97 patrols representing both public and private schools were honored at six individual luncheons throughout the Mid-Atlantic service area. Recipients must meet strict criteria which include leadership, dependability, academics, promptness, neatness and industriousness while protecting their fellow students as they travel to and from school. The honorees were presented with a handsome plaque and $150 in U. S. Savings Bonds.
To learn more about the AAA National Awards, or to receive an application for 2009 submission, contact the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education Safety Services Manager in your area.
AAA Mid-Atlantic School Safety Patrol Lifesaver List
AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award Luncheon Photos