Several students from Shore Regional High School volunteered their time to serve as Safety Ambassadors through the Robert Wood Johnson Safety Ambassador Program.
Representatives from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital met virtually with our students, who presented sample versions of their skits. The presentations focused on four key safety topics for second-grade students: Fall Prevention, Safety In and Around Cars, Pedestrian Safety, and Wheeled Sports. Students selected their topics and submitted skit outlines to RWJ staff for review. After approval, they rehearsed their presentations in preparation for their visits to Betty McElmon Elementary School.
The students involved in this project were Meghan Chewning, Lucy Hester, Eliana Hocheiser, Maximilian Oster, Samantha Riley, and Victoria Vitaliano. Eliana Hocheiser and Samantha Riley presented on Fall Prevention; Lucy Hester and Victoria Vitaliano covered Safety In and Around Cars; and Maximilian Oster and Meghan Chewning presented on Wheeled Sports and Pedestrian Safety.
Four presentation dates were scheduled with the second-grade classes, with the assistance of Melissa Murphy, School Counselor and Student Assistance Counselor at the elementary school. The presentations were held throughout the late winter and spring.
Second-grade students completed pre- and post-assessments, which were submitted directly to RWJ. Additionally, teachers completed surveys following each presentation. All feedback was shared with the high school presenters to help refine and strengthen their delivery and content as needed.
The Safety Ambassador students were recognized at a statewide Recognition Luncheon hosted by RWJ, which included participants from more than 70 schools across New Jersey. The event was held at The Pines Manor in April. Students received certificates and commemorative water bottles with the message “Students teaching students about safety,” and senior participants were also awarded graduation cords in recognition of their contributions.
