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Sixth grader Will Kinne’s calm response to students darting into traffic for chunks of ice helped earn the Canterbury Woods Elementary School safety patrol captain a regional honor.
The Annandale student was named the American Automobile Association’s 2026 Safety Patroller of the Year during his sixth-grade promotion ceremony this week. AAA invites schools across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia to submit nominations for the award.
It marked the second consecutive year that a Canterbury Woods safety patrol member received the recognition.
“It means a lot to me,” Will said. “I have been trying my best, working hard all year, to keep people safe. This job shows you how to be a leader. Sometimes it can be pretty hard, but you push through it and learn you can handle tough things.”
Will oversees the school’s Kiss and Ride line, directing traffic and helping children travel safely from their parents’ cars into the building. His biggest test came after a January storm covered the Washington area with “Snowcrete,” or cement-like blocks of ice.
As Will stood at his post, students excited by the weather ran into the traffic lane to collect and throw pieces of ice. He intervened and directed them out of the street.
“Will remained calm under pressure, quickly intervened, and guided students from the street to safety,” said Debbie Rozek, Canterbury Woods instructional assistant and AAA School Safety Patrol adviser. “His quick thinking prevented the situation from escalating and kept those around him safe.”
The incident was among the reasons Rozek nominated him. She said Will arrives ready for duty each morning and stays focused even when classmates try to distract him or make light of his responsibilities.
“He chooses to lead by example and focus on the safety of arriving students,” Rozek said.
Will’s mother, Lauren Kinne, the Science Department chairwoman at C.G. Woodson High School, said safety patrol gives children an early opportunity to accept responsibility and serve their community.
“Getting a leadership opportunity like this at a relatively young age can really pay off for so many of our students,” she said. “It helps them realize that they can be trusted to do valuable work for others.”
She said the role has helped Will grow into a responsible and kind mentor to younger students.
His father, Eric Kinne, Educate Fairfax’s grants and programs development manager, said serving as patrol captain has also strengthened Will’s communication skills, accountability, and confidence. Will has become more comfortable speaking with adults, advocating for issues, and understanding how small problems can affect a larger operation, he said.
“He has learned how to manage situations when things do go wrong as well — being entrusted with all that as a sixth-grader is huge for him,” Eric Kinne said.