Maybe you have never envisioned Jesus wearing one of those neon Safety Patrol belts that you see on students helping their classmates negotiate crosswalks or carpools. Alyce Washington has. “I am a Christian and I truly believe that if Jesus were living today, he would be a AAA School Safety Patroller because he always helped people.” The 13-year-old explains that she asks herself “WWJD?” before embarking down a life path. And that’s why she joined the Safety Patrol, to help ensure the safety of the students at Babb Middle School in Forest Park. In May, Alyce learned that she had been selected among 17,000 other Safety Patrollers across the state as Georgia’s AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year. At an awards ceremony at her school, Alyce was presented with a fancy plaque and an iPad, which are really great, she says. But helping people is what the Safety Patrol is really all about.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I like to sing, model, act and play basketball for recreation. My current hobbies include being an active member of Holloways "Gift of Life" Foundation. I also participate in Beyond The Mic Youth Academy and host red carpet events through TeenSpeak! I am currently participating in the national competition of Miss Teen USA, where I placed first runner up in the preteen competition here in Atlanta.
Q: So you like to perform?
A: I really do.
Q: How long have you been part of the Safety Patrol and why did you want to do it?
A: For two years at Babb Middle School and I also participated in the fifth grade at my elementary school. I wanted to be in the Safety Patrol because I believe in helping to create a safer environment for the youth.
Q: Are there different roles for Patrollers?
A: There are. My favorite was assisting the staff in planning school events and making sure that everybody went where they were supposed to go and followed the school's rules.
Q: Did you ever run across students who broke the rules?
A: I did. Maybe I would see someone not going to class or students sneaking into the cafeteria when they weren't supposed to be there. When those incidents occurred, I would immediately go and get the principal or the school's resource officer.
Q: How seriously did you take your role as Safety Patroller?
A: Very seriously. I saw my duties as a way of helping others and being a leader.
Q: Did you know that the AAA Safety Patrol program has been around since 1920?
A: Yes and I think it is fantastic that I can be a part of a wonderful organization that has stood the test of time.
Q: Did you know that the Safety Patrol used to be for boys only?
A: Yes, I think that was unfair. Girls can do anything that boys can do. Like my favorite singer Beyoncé says, "Who runs the world? Girls!"
Q: Did you have to do anything to be considered for the AAA Safety Patroller of the Year Award?
A: I wrote an essay that explained why I became a Safety Patroller and how participating in the program made me a better leader. I put my complete heart and soul into that essay. I feel that I was selected because I put the real me on the paper.
Q: And who is the real you?
A: I am Christian and I feel that helps me be a better Patroller.
Q: What did you think when you learned that you had been selected?
A: Surprised and delighted. The awards ceremony was awesome because I was honored for doing the right thing. And the iPad was a surprise. I love it and use it every day to play games and chat with my friends. To be honest, I am still in shock but I am so very proud of myself.
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