APS Police and Safety Aides Receive Warm Welcome Back from Students
Event held to show school safety staff that their work is valued.
Albuquerque Public Schools students showed their appreciation for school-based officers and campus safety aides at a special welcome back event on Thursday. The event featured performances by Albuquerque High's mariachi group and Sandia High's cheerleading team, as well as heartfelt thank-yous from students across the district.
“We wanted to come out to support them for all they do.” said Sophia Clifcorn, a Sandia High School junior and member of the school’s cheerleading team.
Students carried signs with messages of gratitude, recognizing the challenging work of keeping schools safe.
Amaya Melendez, a senior at Valley High School and member of the school’s volleyball team, said she and her teammates showed up “to support our security” and let them know that students appreciate all they do throughout the year.
APS Deputy Chief Steven Marez said the department organized the event to let the CSAs and police officers assigned to schools know that their work is appreciated and that they’re making a difference in students’ lives.
“It was a great way to start off the school year,” said APS Police Chief Steve Gallegos. He and Marez thanked all of the students who participated, including Eldorado’s ROTC group.