Behind the Badge: Helping today’s youth prepare for tomorrow’s challenges
EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4) – Elementary school kids in Eagle Mountain are getting some good life lessons from their School Resource Officer. They’re growing up fast, and she’s helping them, in this edition of Behind the Badge.
Right now sixth graders in Eagle Mountain are learning how to handle growing up. Their teacher – Deputy Dayanira McClellan of the Utah County Sheriff’s office, but kids call her “Deputy Dy.”
Throughout the year she splits time between eight Eagle Mountain elementary schools, teaching what’s called the NOVA program, which stands for Nurture, Opportunity, Values, and Accountability.
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She helps sixth graders, like those at Hidden Hollow Elementary, understand the challenges waiting for them in a grown-up world.
“Basically, piggybacking off of what parents are teaching their children, taking accountability, making good choices,” explained Deputy McClellan.
Over the course of seven to 13 weeks, there are lessons on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and stories about taking initiative. The students really connect with her.
“We learn all sorts of life lessons,” said sixth grader Nicole Hazlette.
“The games and the stories she tells us are pretty cool,” said another sixth grader Elle Beagley.
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The students’ teacher, Will Partridge said the lessons Deputy McClellan provides the children really sink in.
“And the stories she tells, and just how she engages them, they love it!” said Partridge.
As for “Deputy Dy,” helping the sixth graders with these life lessons is not what she planned on doing with her officer career but it’s a role she’s really come to embrace.
“For me, it’s seeing them feel more comfortable being able to interact with law enforcement because they know somebody that does law enforcement and they have these positive interactions. That to me is everything,” said McClellan.
McClellan told ABC4 she takes great satisfaction knowing she is helping Eagle Mountain’s pre-teens get a leg up on the challenges they’re sure to face in bigger classrooms ahead.
At the end of the course, each child receives a certificate for the class. McClellan throws the students a NOVA graduation party and the SWAT team even shows up. Just another reason why the kids like her.
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