Kerilyn Higashi, a sixth grader at Rockwell Elementary in Redmond, and Clara Pfundt, sixth grader at Robert Frost Elementary in Kirkland, were inducted into the 2012 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame on May 4, in recognition of their dedication to safety, community stewardship and leadership.
Higashi and Pfundt were among 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. Higashi and Pfundt were chosen for their outstanding leadership.
Higashi always thinks of others and has an eye for detail when it comes to keeping students at Rockwell Elementary safe. Higashi’s patrol advisor, Rathan Mahendran, shared a great story that reveals her leadership and commitment to safety patrol.
This winter a snow storm forced an early-release school closure. As most students focused on playing and leaving early, Higashi went to the patrol advisor and put a plan together to ensure that every crossing station would be covered. Her main priority was to make sure students could leave campus safely.
In her nomination, Higashi writes: “I would protect anyone’s life in any situation. I love doing activities for my school. I see it as an opportunity to give back.” Higashi is being recognized for her commitment to safety and eagerness to help others.
Pfundt eagerly accepted leadership responsibilities as this year’s designated captain at Robert Frost Elementary. She is passionate about protecting the safety of others, strives to improve her school environment and is dependable – even in unexpected circumstances.
In her nomination, Pfundt’s patrol advisor, Judy Simonson, shares that fellow patrollers know they can depend on her no matter what. Even with a broken leg this fall, Pfundt still arrived on duty to help ensure safety at the crossing areas.
Not only is Pfundt a role model in her patrol vest, she is dedicated to helping in other areas of school and in her community. She is the student council secretary, participant in school productions and offers her personal time to pick-up recycling around campus. Pfundt is a great example of a patroller that goes above and beyond to help ensure safety and has demonstrated great community stewardship.
Family, friends and community leaders were joined by more than 800 patrollers and family members to honor the 10 inductees 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.
