Priceville High School Students Inject School Spirit into Police Patrol

Priceville’s Spirit Cruises the Streets

In a show of school pride and community unity, students of Priceville High School, Alabama have designed an impressive art wrap featuring the school mascot for a local police car. The patrol vehicle now proudly displays a fierce bulldog logo against a backdrop of the school’s colors – yellow, black, and grey.

Bridging the Gap

The idea for this community art project was conceptualized by the School Resource Officer (SRO) Chris Champion. Having served as a game warden from 1993 to 2023, Champion made the transition to the SRO role. He got the inspiration from other school districts that personalize SRO cars with school colors and mascots. “It’s a tie between the community and the school through the police department,” Champion explained, emphasizing the representation of school pride and the significance of the SRO program.

The Creative Process

The project was brought to life in the digital media design class, led by local art teacher Janet Cavender. The students collaborated and used a computer program to design the art wrap. The final design was then sent to Shelton Sign Co. of Decatur, which created the physical wrap for the patrol car. Alyssa Walldorf, an 18-year-old participating student expressed her joy, “I feel a lot of pride for being able to take part in this,” she stated, “It is a lovely feeling to help people create something.”

Community Involvement

The Priceville Town Council members played a part in this project too. They unanimously agreed for the city to fund the $2,400 wrap. School Resource Officers are specially trained officers positioned in schools nationwide. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, they operate in educational institutions using community-oriented policing concepts, crisis response skills, and law enforcement techniques.

Safety and Trust

Reflecting on having the SRO around, student Alyssa Walldorf said that instead of making students nervous, the officers serve as trustworthy adults offering support and safety on campus. Champion agreed, “You maintain the security of the facility and at ballgames, but just as important is being a trusted adult in some of these kids’ lives. Nothing is off the table — I talk to them.”

A Symbol of Unity

The project not only depicts the unity of the school and the community, but also portrays the crucial role that SROs play in the development of a secure, trusting environment in educational institutions. The patrol car, which is now a visual representation of Priceville High’s school spirit, makes its rounds, carrying with it the creativity and pride of the students who created its one-of-a-kind look.