Congratulations to the following 2021 National Award Winners:

• AAA National School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year, Mike Huss, Ione Elementary, Ione, CA
• AAA National School Safety Patroller of the Year, Daisy Casey, Martin Elementary, South San Francisco, CA

Read more about Daisy Casey’s story:

An academically talented student, Daisy has undergone a complete transformation since joining the AAA School Safety Patrol. She went from being a quiet student that rarely spoke at school, to talking with her teachers and classmates. Her newfound confidence motivated her to create safety videos for school announcements and become a young agent-for-change in her community.

“AAA School Safety Patrol has changed me and my life for the better,” said Casey. “In the past, I have never talked to anyone. Participating in my AAA School Safety Patrol has helped me to become a better leader by pushing me to become more confident in myself.”

Recently, Daisy had the chance to address San Francisco Mayor London Breed about Martin Elementary School’s efforts to create a statewide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Bridges was only six years old when in November 1960, she became the first Black student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Along with other Martin Elementary School students, Daisy’s goal is to create a nationwide movement to honor the civil rights icon while promoting respect and equal treatment for students of all backgrounds.

“I’m absolutely amazed, and in awe, with the hard work the students at Martin Elementary have put into pursuing Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day,” said Ms. Bridges. “I’ve seen hope in the young people I’ve met. People like Daisy Casey who are carving their own paths and leading the charge to make a better world.”

Read more about Mike Huss’ story:

Mike has led the school safety patrol for 7 years. Mike trains patrollers and meets with them regularly to give advice and provide additional training. Mike stands at the front of Ione Elementary School each day with the patrollers, watching as they open car doors and greets students. Mike is also Ione Elementary School’s Teacher in Charge, Yearbook Advisor, Cops 4 Kids leader, and grade level team lead. Off campus, Mike has been a youth coach, sat on the Little League Board, and was on his churches parish council.

“Leading the Ione Elementary School AAA Safety Patrol has been the most rewarding experience of my teaching career,” said Huss. “Watching the students take on the responsibilities of helping their school has been fun to watch. Since starting the Safety Patrol in 2014, I have seen students do amazing things that they have never thought possible in their lives.”

Mike talks highly of the students in his Patrol group. He says, “It is students like these that have inspired me to keep leading the Ione Elementary School AAA Safety Patrol. They have shown me that this program matters. It builds leaders. It grows confidence. It gives students a sense of pride and belonging. It promotes team building and group problem solving. Being involved gives me hope for our future as I am able to help encourage the future leaders of our town, our state, and our country realize their potential.”