Patrice Whitten, Educator and Former Administrator
Outstanding Individual Service

Patrice Whitten exemplifies exceptional insight and expertise in school safety and crisis intervention. She demonstrated her deep understanding of security threats, behavioral de-escalation, and emergency response during an incident in which she successfully diffused a life-threatening situation involving a student with a firearm.

Through her calm, strategic approach, she protected the lives of students, staff, and law enforcement officers. Her actions highlight the importance of relationship-building and proactive safety measures in preventing violence before it escalates. She not only de-escalated the immediate threat but also provided critical emotional support to the student in crisis, demonstrating her comprehensive understanding of both security and mental health challenges in school environments.

Mrs. Whitten’s leadership extends to ongoing advocacy for improved safety policies, staff training, and student support systems. Her commitment to safety education, emergency preparedness, and fostering a secure school culture makes her an invaluable leader in advancing best practices in school security.