SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – For more than a century, AAA has spearheaded its School Safety Patrol Program across the country. Every year, one student from each state is selected to be Patroller of the Year. This year, the student representing Florida is from Sarasota.
Each morning at Tuttle Elementary School, the flags are hoisted to the top of the pole. Overseeing this team, is safety patrol captain and fifth grader, Noah Moise.
“He was special from the moment I met him as a fourth grader when he advocated to want to learn the flag. He took to it like a duck on water,” said Justine Holcomb, a fifth-grade teacher at Tuttle Elementary and the safety patrol supervisor.
After the salute, the fluorescent-belted-patrols move onto escort younger students from car to class. The youngest of these in preschool. AAA runs this program in tens of thousands of schools nationally and it’s made up of a highly selective group of fourth through eighth graders. At Tuttle, Noah’s fifth grade is the senior class.
“It’s really nice actually because you get to collaborate with different ages. So you get to learn things about certain people that usually people would just overlook, mostly disabilities and things that they can’t do,” said Noah Moise, AAA State Patroller of the Year for Florida.
92-year-old crossing guard brings joy to Manatee County elementary school
“Noah in particular has a special part in everybody’s heart. He’s just a true leader in everything he does: his presence, how he talks to his peers, how he talks to adults,” said Dr. Patti Folino, the principal at Tuttle Elementary School.
At 5′7 and still growing, the 11-year-old carries a widows that towers over his height.
“I wanted to help people because I’ve seen the harm that can be done to people with their frustration, irritation and just other things that make people do really bad things. So I want to live in a society where everyone gets along,” said Moise.
Noah’s duty here is also a way he honors his father, who passed away last year.
“He was a really kind person. He always wanted me to do the best, be respectful to my teachers, get good grades, and grow up to be something I want to be and follow my dreams,” he said.
His teacher nominated him for this year’s AAA State Patroller of the Year and he was chosen.
“That I’m proud. That he’s a great human. He’s got a lot going for him and coming forward, I can’t wait to see what he does. And I’m hoping he remembers and lets me know,” said Holcomb.
“Ever since he was little and he’s always been like a leader like his character has always been like to be on top to lead him. He’s very smart. He does really well with other others so it’s kind of like not surprised, but surprised at the same time,” said Ligardy Moise, Noah’s sister.
“I felt like it’s not real, but I’m here right now this happened and I’m thankful,” said Noah Moise.
For being selected, Noah will get a $300 gift card from AAA as well as a plaque. The school will also receive a $100 voucher.
Copyright 2026 WWSB. All rights reserved.
