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Two Fairfax County Public Schools graduates earned AAA Safety Patroller of the Year honors after taking on major responsibilities to keep students safe during bus travel.

Kristen King, a Canterbury Woods Elementary School graduate, spent much of sixth grade coordinating afternoon transportation as a safety patrol captain. She monitored all 18 buses serving the school, including buses carrying deaf and hard-of-hearing students from across Fairfax County.

Using attendance information and a walkie-talkie, Kristen alerted drivers when students were absent, staying after school or using other transportation. Her work helped prevent buses from waiting unnecessarily or departing while a rider was still inside the building.

Some students travel as long as an hour to attend Canterbury Woods, which houses FCPS’ elementary program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Kristen said missing a bus could force a family to make a lengthy trip to the school.

To communicate more effectively with the students she assisted, Kristen learned signs for common bus-related directions. She picked up some sign language by watching classroom interpreters and asked for help or researched unfamiliar phrases when necessary.

Debbie Rozek, a Canterbury Woods instructional assistant and AAA School Safety Patrol adviser, said Kristen’s initiative and concern for younger students with special needs helped earn her the nomination.

Saanvi Vangapalli, a McNair Upper Elementary School graduate, also received the award. As a safety patrol captain assigned to a crowded bus, she worked to keep students seated and following instructions so the driver could concentrate on the road.

Saanvi explained the reasons behind bus rules, warning students that standing on a moving vehicle could cause a fall and that eating aboard the bus could create a choking risk. She said students generally listened once they understood the possible consequences.

McNair Upper physical education teacher and AAA School Safety Patrol adviser Kristen Luck nominated Saanvi, describing her as patient and adaptable while overseeing the school’s largest bus. Luck said Saanvi stayed calm in difficult situations, worked to solve problems and consistently made safety her top priority.

Both honorees are rising seventh graders. Saanvi will attend Rachel Carson Middle School, while Kristen will attend Frost Middle School. Although their elementary safety patrol service has ended, both said they hope to find new opportunities to lead and support their school communities.