Members of the Prairie View A&M University Police Department participated in the Imani School Community Helper Day on Tuesday. The festival was held in Houston and celebrated community helpers such as police officers, firefighters, utility workers, military personnel, librarians and those in the healthcare profession. “My goal and task to all of the Auxiliary departments are to find ways to expose the public to all of the amazing and different things we have taking place on campus,” said Fred Washington, vice president of auxiliary services.
During Community Helper Day, 180 Pre-K3 to 3rd-grade students were educated about the vital role these individuals play in the community. Lieutenant Wilton White conducted workshops that informed students about police officers’ role in the community, encouraged them to stay out of trouble and provided information about law enforcement and the university. “The positive messaging was age appropriate and well received by the pre-school and elementary school students,” said Washington.
Chief of Police Keith Jemison, Ed.D., served as the liaison between the Imani School Parents Association and the university. Jemison worked with Dr. Alauna Curry, academic committee member for the Imani School Parents Association, and Jami Johnson, academic enrichment co-chair of the Imani School Parents Association. Johnson showed gratitude to Chief Jemison in an email and expressed how pleased she was with how the event turned out. “Thanks to your officer’s awesome demonstration and your generous backpack giveaways, it was a big success,” said Johnson to Chief Jemison, “We really appreciate you taking the time to give our kids such an awesome learning experience.” Two students from each class were chosen to receive PVAMU backpacks, pencils, and other assorted items.
Washington said the officers’ interactions with the students were a good introduction to PVAMU. “Many graduates of the university and family members of students are involved in the communities around the area and getting these individuals engaged provides the opportunity to build relationships between PVAMU students, the school, and the community,” said Washington, “These types of relationships help expand our brand to future generations of students much earlier than we previously have.”