Safety patrollers from across southern Alberta were treated to a science-filled exploration day at the University of Lethbridge for all their hard work and dedication this school year. Nearly 200 students from across the region took part Thursday. The patrollers take on a full-year commitment to help keep their schools safe at the end of the day. They’re tasked with helping students and parents cross the crosswalks and ensuring drivers are paying attention when the bell rings for dismissal. With the school year coming to an end in a matter of weeks, AMA took the morning to reward the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students for their work with different science-themed activities. “The reason why I decided to become a patroller was probably because I want the streets to be safe, and I don’t want anybody to get hurt,” said Hudson Kiddine, a Grade 6 student at St. Patrick Fine Arts School. “I just feel like it’s the right thing to do. It’s not for all these nice events—they’re a nice treat for us, but it’s more important for the community and how it helps other people,” said Owen Johnston, also a Grade 6 student at St. Patrick Fine Arts School. “AMA school safety patrollers have been on the crosswalk for over 85 years across Alberta, and it’s a leadership program that provides these kids with skills that they will take forward with them into their future,” said Allison Purcell, AMA school safety patrol co-ordinator. “Patrollers that are here are leaders at their schools, so when we think about that in the world of STEM, it’s the leaders and changers of the world and the next generation to do amazing things, so some of them we’ve seen before, some it’s the first time at the university, but it’s great to have them on campus,” said Steph Elder, University of Lethbridge destination exploration manager. Earlier this year, the safety patrollers took in a skate with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
