Three Earn AAA Safety Patrol Honors
MADISON, Wis.--Lauren Micolichek of Chippewa Falls will receive the AAA School Safety Patrolâ„¢ Lifesaving Medal at a ceremony in Washington D.C. April 19-21. During that same time, Ralph Coushman, also of Chippewa Falls, will be honored as the 2009-2010 National Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year, and Claire Hitter, a 6th grader at Richmond Elementary School in Appleton, will be recognized as the Wisconsin AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year.
“Claire is always on post promptly during her scheduled days”
While a 5th grader at Southview Elementary last year, Micolichek, with her quick actions, prevented what could have been a serious injury or death when a motorist failed to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. When the vehicle entered the intersection unexpectedly, Micolichek rapidly backed up an inattentive student who was about to enter the crosswalk. She memorized the vehicle license plate and reported the incident after her crossing duties were concluded.
“I honestly believe that a life may have been saved by Lauren’s quick response,�?? said Ralph Coushman, Chippewa Falls School District Safety Patrol Coordinator.
The AAA School Safety Patrolâ„¢ Lifesaving Award is the highest award given to members of the AAA School Safety Patrolâ„¢. Recipients are select patrol members who, while on duty, have saved the life of a person in imminent danger. The program was initiated by AAA to recognize school safety patrol members for heroic lifesaving efforts. Since its inception in 1949, there have been 382 boys and girls from 31 states and the District of Columbia who have been honored with the Lifesaving Medal.
Coushman, 65, earned Advisor of the Year on the strength of his four decades of safety patrol involvement. He served 25 years on the Chippewa Falls Police Department and then served as County Sheriff until retiring in 1995. He was an advocate for safety patrol during his entire law enforcement career and continues to support the program as district coordinator.
“Ralph is passionate in and committed to his role as our district Safety Patrol Advisor,�?? Southview Elementary Safety Patrol Advisor Arla Prestin said in nominating Coushman for the honor. “His commitment and service to our safety patrols for approximately 40 years, both as an employee and then as a volunteer, is remarkable and enviable.�??
A straight-A student who is always willing to help out the younger students, Hitter takes her safety patrol responsibilities seriously. “I know being a safety patrol is a very important job and I get great satisfaction in being able to help my school,�?? says Hitter.
“Claire is always on post promptly during her scheduled days,�?? Richmond Elementary School Safety Patrol Advisor Mary Koschnik said in nominating Hitter for Patroller of the Year. “She always communicates rules clearly to students who are crossing at her crosswalk and she sets a good example by following all safety procedures herself.�??
A proud tradition since 1920, the AAA School Safety PatrolTM now includes more than 500,000 patrollers in 50,000 schools across the United States and Canada. Students who give their time and energy to make the AAA School Safety PatrolTM a success are encouraged and supported by school officials, parent-teacher groups, police departments, and AAA clubs.
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