St. Marys school police officer acts as a role model to kids through program

ELK COUNTY (WTAJ) – School police officer Nicole Pistner is taking action to make sure that students in the area have someone to look up to, even in the summer months when they are away from school.

“Everybody needs somebody that they can look up to and, hopefully, what we do at the district can help a little kid say, ‘Hey, I want to do that when I grow up’ or ‘Just one more day, I can keep going’ or whatever they need to help them,” Pistner said.

An idea Pistner came up with while on leave has has turned into a police mentorship program to give kids fun, educational opportunities in the summer that they may only receive in the school year.

“So we know that relationships and providing for and doing whatever we can to help make life better is part of our mission and vision. We want to make sure we are supporting everyone as best we can. This program is right up that alley,” Assistant Superintendent, Chrissy Kuhar, said.

So far, the St. Marys Area School District Police Mentor Program has hosted events such as teachers vs kids dodgeball, a day focused on when you should call 9-1-1 along with other events for kids to learn while also having fun.

Pistner has paired with multiple local organizations and businesses to help out the program, such as Fashioinably Late Styling, LLC, Golden Hour Salon by Paige McClain, Calypso & Company, and Muddy Paws Dog Grooming from St. Marys. As well as Six Little Monkeys located in Kersey.

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Pistner plans on growing the program by incorporating educational fishing trips and many other activities for kids to have fun and learn.

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