Publication=Prince_William_Journal; Date=06.05.2001; Section=Front_Page; Page=1; Book=A;
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Spotlight finds modest young hero

Manassas teen


hailed as hero


Teen saved small child


from being hit by bus


at Weems Elementary School.


By KRISTI COX Journal staff writer


Jonathan Waldron, 14, was so modest he never told his parents that he saved a small child from being struck by a school bus as he worked as a safety patroller for Weems Elementary School last year.


"I just thought I was doing my job, I didn't really need to tell anybody," Jonathan, now a seventh-grader at Metz Middle School, said Friday.


But officials with the Mid-Atlantic division of the American Automobile Association, his family and friends recognize he did much more.


During a five-day celebration from Friday through Tuesday, which will include a parade Saturday through Washington, D.C., Jonathan and two students from San Francisco and Minnesota will be honored with Lifesaver Awards by AAA-Mid-Atlantic for their heroic efforts as safety patrol officers.


Patrollers are selected to ensure children obey school rules, like not running in hallways, assist in an evacuation and ensure children safely board school buses.


More than 3,500 patrol safety officers from schools throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area will be on hand for an elaborate parade Saturday through the District.


The honorees will meet members of Congress from their state - Jonathan will meet with Sen. George Allen and later with Republican Rep. Frank Wolf - and enjoy a tour of Mount Vernon and special passes to the ESPN Zone restaurant. During the awards dinner, honorees will receive a plaque, a medal, an American flag that has flown over the Capitol building and other gifts.


"There was a very small chance of getting it, so when I did get it I was surprised," said Jonathan, who will be one of the grand marshals of Saturday's parade.


The national recognition is astounding considering that last spring virtually no one was aware that Jonathan risked his own safety so rescue a young child.


Jonathan was supervising 65 patrollers and helping oversee the safety of more than 700 children last spring on a windy day outside Weems Elementary School.


He didn't even have time to think, he said, when he saw a second-grader chasing an escaped piece of artwork in front of a running bus.


"I told him to stop but he didn't, he kept running. I stepped out into the street, grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back as the bus started moving," Jonathan recounted Friday.


Unaware that he was spared potentially life-threatening injuries, the little boy went on his way and Jonathan continued his patrol. It was only when other children began talking about the incident that safety patrol sponsor Patricia Croisetiere learned of his actions.


"He never told me about it," Croisetiere said. "Another safety patroller informed me about it two weeks after it happened. I asked [Jonathan], `Why didn't you tell me about this?' He said, `Well, it's just my job.'"


"He's such a role model," she said "I am absolutely so proud and thrilled."


Jonathan was made Manassas schools' patroller of the year for the 1999-2000 academic year; AAA got word of the award and encouraged him to apply for the organization's honor.


Though the rescued youngster's parents probably don't even know what Jonathan did to save the boy, officials are going to elaborate lengths to let Jonathan, and other kids, know that his brave actions were exceptional.


"I think we often hear many bad things about kids, I don't think we hear enough about the good when someone really does an outstanding job," Pam Beer with the AAA said Friday.


"I think [Jonathan's actions] show a real sense of responsibility and commitment," Beer said. Pointing out that former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter were also patrol officers, Beer added the duties are "a very good way to teach children leadership skills. That's what leadership is all about is being responsible and caring."


Excitedly getting ready for a dinner Friday night, Jonathan's mom, Sherry, said the recognition is "an honor." Jonathan already has big plans: He wants to go to Yale University like his dad, former Manassas City Councilman Doug Waldron, and his grandfather.


And he hasn't ruled out a career in public safety: "Maybe I'll be a police officer."


Croisetiere is confident he will be a star no matter what occupation he chooses.


"No doubt he'll go on to college and be somebody special."