RGS student recognized as outstanding safety patroller

Lacey Miller, a fifth grader at Ritzville Grade School, was inducted into the 2012 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame on Friday, May 4, in recognition of her dedication to safety, community stewardship and leadership.

Miller was one of 10 outstanding patrollers from across Washington to be recognized at the evening awards ceremony held at Safeco Field. As a long standing tradition, AAA Washington and a panel of judges from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, select top patrollers from schools across Washington each year and honor their accomplishments through induction in the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

Patrollers are judged on their commitment to traffic safety, citizenship, leadership skills, and contributions to their school safety patrol. Nominations require input from both the patroller and their advisor, including responses to a series of essay questions. Miller was chosen for her outstanding leadership as described below:

Miller is considered a safety advocate at Ritzville Grade School and is known for her positive attitude and respectfulness on duty and in the classroom. Her patrol advisor, Lynn Greenwalt, shared that her care for others and leadership skills have made a significant impact on other students.

Miller has invested time to educate others about pedestrian safety and the importance of using designated crossing areas. This year, Miller spent her own time to make two “Safety First” posters and hung them in the hall for everyone to access as a resource.

She also planned to visit the preschool and kindergarten classes to do a presentation on the importance of using crosswalks. Miller is being recognized for her leadership and for being a role model for younger generations as they learn the importance of safety.

More than 800 patrollers and family members came to honor the 10 inductees and were joined by family, friends and community leaders at the Seattle Mariners game. After a private awards ceremony, the 10 patrollers were recognized before the game on field for their achievements, followed by dinner, dessert and a visit from the Mariner Moose. Iris Gayle Stearns, a retired Para-educator from Nob Hill Elementary in Yakima, was also recognized and honored as the first AAA Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year.

AAA created the School Safety Patrol more than 90 years ago and partners with local agencies to bring the program to elementary schools across Washington. The safety patrol has been credited with being a major contributor to the substantial reduction in fatalities of school age children (ages 5-14).

Additional information is available through the company’s offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at http://www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.