Florida 5th-Grader Nation's Top Safety Patroller

CAPE CORAL -- Of the 679-thousand elementary schoolers who take part in AAA's School Safety Patrol program, a Florida fifth-grader is voted the nation's best.

Eliza Odom attends Diplomat Elementary in Cape Coral. She says that when she was younger, she thought the older kids wearing the neon sash and badge looked cool, and she wanted to be one. AAA says the patrollers are often role models for younger elementary schoolers. Unlike adult crossing guards, safety patrollers direct other children, not traffic. She says participating in Safety Patrol has made her more responsible.

Young Eliza also participates in volunteer activities and fundraising. She helped out at a food distribution site after Hurricane Ian tore through her hometown. She also won the Florida award as safety patroller.

AAA has run the Safety Patrol program since 1920. It teaches children about traffic safety and the values of citizenship. AAA says the program has contributed to a decline in traffic fatalities

Photo: AAA Auto Club Group


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