Memphis 5th Grader Named Tennessee’s “AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year”
Oliver Dries from Richland Elementary School is Tennessee’s 2024-25 Patroller of the Year
Every year, AAA recognizes one outstanding AAA School Safety Patroller from each state. Nominees must submit an essay demonstrating how they have gone above and beyond to keep themselves and others safe and improve the wellbeing of peers. Judges review each applicant’s leadership qualities, safety skills, school involvement, and dedication to citizenship and volunteerism.
Oliver Dries of Richland Elementary School in Memphis is the Tennessee “AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year” for the 2024-25 school year. He is one of thousands of Tennessee students who participated in the AAA School Safety Patrol program this year and it is a huge accomplishment for Oliver to receive this recognition.
In addition to his Patrol duties, Oliver is currently a straight-A student in all of his academic studies, in the National Honors Society, and takes part in the primary CLUE program at Richland Elementary. He is an active volunteer with other school-related activities like school tours, programs, and parent meetings. Outside of school, Oliver regularly helps out at El Mero Taco, his family’s restaurant and food truck.
"I had the distinct honor of recognizing a remarkable young individual-someone who has stood out among his peers through dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to keeping others safe. Oliver has gone above and beyond the call of duty, but what truly sets him apart is the way he leads-with quiet confidence, compassion, and integrity. He didn't do it for recognition. He did it because it was the right thing to do. We are very proud of him,” said Candi Rauch, Richland Elementary School Safety Patrol Coordinator.
“Oliver is a tremendous representative of the AAA School Safety Patrol program and very deserving of this award,” said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “He exemplifies the leadership qualities and safety skills of a great safety patroller. We are proud of Oliver’s contributions and are thrilled to have him represent the program.”
AAA School Safety Patrol® Program
The AAA School Safety Patrol program is the largest safety program in the world. Each year, more than 679,000 children participate at over 35,000 schools throughout the country. For over 100 years, AAA has sponsored the AAA School Safety Patrol program, which instills students with a sense of responsibility, leadership and citizenship.
To learn more about the AAA School Safety Patrol Program, visit AAA.com/SafetyPatrol.
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. Morning Consult recently ranked AAA Insurance as America's most trusted insurance brand for 2026, reflecting the confidence consumers place in the AAA brand. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.