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St. John Student Named Safety Patroller Of The Year For Region

Aug 06, 2015 09:57AM ● By Bryan Scott

Scott Jensen and Trevor Cole, of AAA Utah, presented Saint John

By Julie Slama

Draper - Last fall, when Saint John the Baptist fifth grader Christian Kindler was named to the safety patrol at his school, he wanted to ensure students’ safety. His dedication was still evident as he was honored May 29 as the region’s winner for Safety Patroller of the Year.

“I wanted kids to be safer than they were being when I started in August,” he said. “ I just wanted to help them.”

As AAA Safety Patroller of the Year for the Utah/Nevada region, Christian received a plaque and a $75 Target gift card, and the school received a $2,700 check in his honor, which will be put toward safety patrol equipment.

“I wrote an essay for the award and talked about how being a safety patroller helped me be a better leader and good communicator,” Christian said.

His application was also reviewed for his commitment to safety patrol, his leadership qualities, school involvement and citizenship. On May 29, Scott Jensen and Trevor Cole, of AAA Utah, presented the plaque and check.

In addition, Christian was featured in an AAA video, which showed him helping students as a safety patroller in March. The video is on the AAA website.

“My dad got a call from the vice principal the night before I learned I won and I thought, ‘Why is she calling? Maybe I got in trouble somehow.’ Then, I learned the next day that I won and I couldn’t believe it. I was just so surprised since I don’t get that many awards,” he said.

Christian and three other students wrote essays. The school then advanced Christian’s to the contest.

“I think lots of kids at school are excited about safety patrol now because of the award,” Christian’s mother, Renee Kindler, said. 

However, Christian said his favorite part remains helping students cross safely.

“I like seeing them being safe and learn how to do it, kind of like how teachers help you work through the concepts in math, you keep helping until they get it and know how to do it on their own,” he said.

Christian, who will be 11 in July, plans to either pursue a career as a police officer or a veterinarian.

“The Safety Patrol Program at Saint John the Baptist Elementary fosters responsibility, leadership and communication skills,” Director of Advancement Nevah Stevenson said. “Christian is an outstanding example to his peers.”