With the skirl of bagpipes and the precision of the State Department of Corrections Honor Guard, a ceremony attended by Town and public school leaders recognized the newly-inducted Sliney Elementary School Student Safety Patrol.

The Sliney school community gathered on Jan. 12 for the induction of seven students as members of the newly formed Student Safety Patrol. Families, students, and staff applauded as the patrollers, wearing high-visibility orange safety belts with shoulder straps, followed the honor guard into the ceremony.

Branford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Tranberg presented the patrollers with their certificates and pins, assisted by Sliney principal Dr. Maria Clark. At the request of Clark, on behalf of a parent of a student patroller, a group photo with the names of the patrollers was not available to appear with this article.

Clark recognized the hard work and dedication of the student inductees under the tutelage of Sliney Security Guard Luis Castro.

“As we embark on this new Safety Patrol journey, let’s reflect on how important this moment is,” said Clark.

Clark said the moment showed the importance of student leadership, mentoring and mentorship, and being role models in the school community. In addition to recognizing Castro for his work with the patrollers, Clark also thanked Sliney Math Coach Christie Glazewski for assisting with lessons and discussions.

Glazewski shared that, under the instruction of Castro, the inductees learned that school safety patrols were first established in 1922 when police departments joined forces with schools to help students travel safely in the new era of automobiles on the road.

“While the rationale may be different today, these students became aware of their purpose: being able to serve as mentors to Sliney students, as well as their goal to increase safety awareness,” said Glazewski.

The student patrollers used their teachings and understandings to create their Sliney Safety Patrol Pledge, which they recited at the ceremony.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove congratulated the students on taking their first steps on a path that could help strengthen their community in many ways throughout their lives.

“This shows concern for our community. It shows concern for others. It’s about respect, tolerance, understanding, and care for one another,” said Cosgrove.

Cosgrove encouraged all Sliney students to take the opportunity to develop and hone those skills further.

“This is very important not only for those we’re here today to honor and recognize,” said Cosgrove. “Whether it’s in the classroom, or on a team, or in a club, or even out on the playground with your friends, consider the actions that you take. Show respect and understanding for one another. That’s how you build a great, strong community.”