South San Francisco Student Finds Voice Through AAA School Safety Patrol
Leadership program helps Bay Area student overcome anxiety disorder, set goal of establishing Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (June 17, 2021) -- AAA Northern California would like to congratulate Daisy Casey, a South San Francisco 5th grade student at Martin Elementary School, for being named the AAA School Safety Patrol's National Patroller of the Year.
An academically talented student, Daisy has undergone a complete transformation since joining the AAA School Safety Patrol. She went from having selective mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder, to speaking in front of teachers and classmates. Her newfound confidence motivated her to create safety videos for school announcements and become a young changemaker in her community.
“AAA School Safety Patrol has changed me and my life for the better,” said Casey. “In the past I have never talked to anyone. Participating in my AAA School Safety Patrol has helped me to become a better leader by pushing me to become more confident in myself.”
Recently, Daisy had the chance to address San Francisco Mayor London Breed about Martin Elementary School’s efforts to create a statewide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Daisy’s goal, along with other Martin Elementary School students, is to create a nationwide movement to honor the civil rights icon, while promoting respect and equal treatment for students of all backgrounds.
“I’m absolutely amazed and honored by the hard work the students at Martin Elementary have put into pursuing Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day,” said Ruby Bridges. “I’ve seen hope in the young people I’ve met. People like Daisy Casey, young activists who are carving their own paths and leading the charge to unite people and make a better world.”
More than 679,000 students in 35,000 schools across the country participate in the AAA School Safety Patrol program, which recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary. Students like Daisy Casey represent the very best of this program and use their leadership skills to create an environment where all students are welcome and safe.
About AAA Northern California
AAA has a proud history of serving Members for over 100 years. AAA is on a mission to create Members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 4,600 employees representing over 6 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto and life insurance, travel and home security services. According to Via Magazine's Smart Guide, being a AAA Member can save you more than $1,200 a year. Learn more at AAA.com.
About AAA School Safety Patrol
Millions of young students have served as Patrollers since the program started in 1920. Students become leaders in and out of the classroom by gaining safety awareness and developing skills to react quickly and effectively in an emergency. Patrollers make walking routes, bus loading zones, pick-up and drop-off areas, school hallways and playgrounds safer. The goal is to create leaders who value teamwork and volunteerism while ensuring the safety of those in and around campus. Learn more about the AAA School Safety Patrol.