SOUTH DAYTON – Hallways are safer at Pine Valley Elementary School, thanks largely to the all-volunteer squad of the Safety Patrol.

Recently, these outstanding sixth-grade students, organized by Kelly Zimmerman, PVCS principal, visited a board of education meeting to tell members and administration why safety was so important and why they applied for the job, and to thank board members for all they do for the Pine Valley school system and its students.

“I would love to introduce to you some of our finest student leaders that we have here at Pine Valley,” said Zimmerman to open the presentation. “These students have stepped up and helped us out in Safety Patrol this year; they are here to express their gratitude and thanks to you.”

Then, yellow sashes donned, it was the students’ turn. They take safety seriously, as they explained to the board members.

“I became a Safety Patrol because I’ve seen kids who (have ran) and fell, and I’d like to stop that and prevent it from happening,” said a student named Zenobia.

A student named Matthew said “I became a Safety Patrol because it’s just not right for people to keep on running in the halls.”

Others expressed how they wanted to prevent younger students from getting lost or missing their buses, to keep kids from tripping and falling and to make sure there’s not too much yelling going on.

One student, Brendan, told the board members that they should feel proud of themselves for being willing to commit their time to the school.

“I personally understand the challenges that you have,” he said. “You face difficult decisions that have to be made.”

Safety Patrol members said there are requirements for joining the team; it’s not so easy. They have to be recommended by teachers, fill out a questionnaire, keep their grades up and they’re always on the job – no slouching.

“We can be fired,” one student said, “if another kid sees us yelling or not acting like a Safety Patrol and tells.”

Safety Patrol members not only keep the other students safe; they act as mentors for younger students and inspire next year’s elite squad.

One student, stone-faced, summed it up: “That was a commitment we had to make.”