Two WTHS Students Honored as Recipients of SRO Challenge Coin Awards
Pride and kindness matter, especially as character-defining traits when no one is watching. So said Washington Township High School Student Resource Officer Tom DiTullio while recognizing seniors Robert Landy and Kaitlyn Wasylyk who exhibited these traits, respectively, to earn Challenge Coin Awards for the month of May. The Challenge Coin Award, which was initiated by DiTullio and fellow SRO Tony Leone, is presented to students who display the principles of kindness, duty, honor, courage, pride and respect when faced with unexpected challenges at school.
Landy was honored for showing personal pride in the appearance of Quay Way by taking the initiative to remove trash left behind in the outdoor courtyard. His efforts were observed by teacher Sara Simpson who nominated him for the recognition.
Executive assistant principal John Saverase nominated Wasylyk for the extraordinary poise and compassion she showed to a classmate who was experiencing a medical emergency. Saverase commended Wasylyk who, though a stranger to the student, provided a caring and calming presence until help arrived.
The Challenge Coins are intended to connect police and students in a positive light. One side of the Challenge Coin has an image of the police department’s logo and the citizenship principles. The other side of the coin honors the bravery and dedication of Washington Township Police Corporal Steve Levy, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in the line of duty in October 1999.
Pictured: (left to right) The celebration of good citizenship included WTHS Student Resource Officer Tom DiTullio, teacher Sara Simpson, Robert and Nancy Landy, Robert Landy, Valerie Wasylyk, Kaitlyn Wasylyk and Executive Assistant Principal John Saverase.