TOWSON, MD (June 24, 2020) –– AAA’s School Safety Program is celebrating its 100th year as the largest school-based safety program in the world. AAA Mid-Atlantic is honoring four area students in Maryland as Outstanding AAA School Safety Patrol Members for the 2019-2020 school year. Those students are Adeoluwa “Deolu” Adewuyi, Archbishop Borders School; Aubrey Henderson, Calvary Baptist Church Academy; Madelyn “Maddie” Nauroth, Waugh Chapel Elementary; and Kori-Suri Washington, Deer Park Elementary.

Adeoluwa “Deolu” Adewuyi - Archbishop Borders

AAA is proud to recognize Adeoluwa Adewuyi as a 2019 - 2020 AAA Outstanding School Safety Patrol winner. Patrol Advisor, Amy Belz nominated “Deolu,” as he is commonly known, for his commitment and leadership. Ms. Belz indicated that not only is Deolu cheerful and helpful, his overall demeanor makes him a favorite among staff and younger children. Every day, small students ask him to walk them to class or aftercare. There is one particular child that is so nervous that Adeoluwa escorts him daily.

Recently, Deolu made a courageous and difficult decision that although confidential, exemplified his leadership and character. He considers himself a safety all day long, checking in with his advisor regularly, offering to help whenever he can. If he is absent, it is noticed, not only by the little ones he has taken under his wing, but by the staff, as well. Deolu is also bilingual. He speaks English and Spanish fluently, putting everyone at ease.  A former teacher used one word to describe the type of student/patroller Adeoluwa is, “IMPRESSIVE!”

Aubrey Henderson – Calvary Baptist Church Academy

AAA is proud to recognize Aubrey Henderson as a 2019 - 2020 AAA Outstanding School Safety Patrol honoree. Aubrey is a captain in the Safety Patroller Program, modeling leadership qualities daily. His skills were definitely on display in an example shared by Mr. Brian Kipp, Safety Patrol Coordinator, when Aubrey needed to politely address a parent who parked in a prohibited area. Not only did the adult block the free flow of traffic for other parents dropping off their kids, she left her vehicle running, as she ran into the school with her children, creating a very dangerous situation. Aubrey used his leadership and communication skills to politely request that the adult not park there again. Instead of acknowledging her error, the parent opted to argue with Aubrey. The fifth grader was diplomatic, and exhibited maturity beyond his years in that situation.

Aubrey received several recommendations from teachers, commending him for his professionalism, thoroughness and strong communication skills. He is a straight A student, who has received character awards for obedience, trustworthiness and commitment.

Madelyn “Maddie” Nauroth - Waugh Chapel Elementary

AAA is proud to recognize Madelyn “Maddie” Nauroth as a 2019 - 2020 AAA Outstanding School Safety Patrol winner. Patrol Advisor, Kim Fitzmaurice says, “Empathy is the leadership quality that stands out the most” with Maddie.

Last year, Maddie helped a seriously injured adult outside of the school. The injured staff member, Robin Romer, praised Maddie’s quick actions. As Ms. Romer was coming into the school, she tripped on the uneven sidewalk, falling into a brick wall, injuring her hand and head, and breaking her glasses.  Maddie immediately took action and ensured 911 was called, even as several adults passed by.

Ms. Romer didn’t know at the time that Maddie was an AAA Safety Patroller. She wrote, “This young lady didn’t have to stop when I tripped to see if I was okay. She didn’t have to go to the office to try and get me help or come back and stay with me until help came, but she did. She went above and beyond. On that day Maddie made a difference in someone's life and I will always be grateful.”

Kori-Suri Washington – Deer Park Elementary

AAA is proud to recognize Kori-Suri Washington as a 2019 - 2020 AAA Outstanding School Safety Patrol honoree. Ms. Martha Milli, who nominated Kori-Suri for this honor says, “Kori has manned her station as a quiet, yet very respectful, responsible and dependable leader.”

The examples of Kori’s leadership are numerous. Once, when a child stepped into the drive, Kori was there to protect the child. When a teacher has needed help with a student, she was there to help. When a child has a problem Kori is the one who quickly steps up. Kori received nearly a dozen recommendations. Suffice it to say, her teachers find her responsible, respectful and deserving of this honor.

Kori has been an exemplary safety and a very good student, consistently earning A’s and B’s. One of her teachers wrote on her report card that ‘she is always prepared and puts forth her best effort.’ Those are two qualities that she always brings to her Safety patroller job, as well, according to Ms. Milli.

Kori exemplifies everything that a Safety Patroller should be and more.

The AAA School Safety Patrol

Nearly 12,180 patrollers currently participate in the AAA School Safety Patrol program in 688 Maryland elementary schools. It is the largest school-based safety program in the world with more than 679,000 patrollers in 35,000 schools across North America and 30 countries, providing a safer environment for child pedestrians and offering a spectrum of educational opportunities for schoolchildren.

For 100 years, AAA Mid-Atlantic has sponsored and provided major support for the AAA School Safety Patrol by supplying training materials, recognition programs for service, and patrol equipment, including the familiar badge and belt.

AAA School Safety Patrols direct children, not traffic. As school-age leaders in traffic safety, patrol members teach other students about traffic safety on a peer-to-peer basis. They also serve as role models for younger children. Patrols complete training in traffic safety so they can protect students from the hazards of crossing roads and highways on their way to and from school; assist bus drivers in safely transporting students to and from school; teach fellow students about traffic safety; and serve other leadership functions under the direction of school officials.

AAA School Safety Patrol began in 1920 when Charles M. Hayes, then president of the Chicago Motor Club, built the infrastructure and provided the resources so other AAA clubs across the U.S. could protect school-aged children walking to and from school. Hayes had witnessed several children at a school crossing get killed by a speeding car. After the horrific incident, Hayes pledged to help prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Patrollers receive traffic safety training designed to keep children safer on their way to and from school and within school buildings.

Follow us on Twitter: @AAAMDNews

Like us on Facebook: AAA Mid-Atlantic News

Mailing Address:
8600 LaSalle Road, Ste 639
Towson, MD 21286

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to over 60 million members nationwide and nearly 988,000 members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit AAA.com.