By: Constable Lyndsey Pilkington
My second year as a High School Liaison Officer (HSLO) was nothing short of amazing. I continued to build meaningful connections with local youth, support their development, and collaborate closely with school staff to foster a positive learning environment.
Once again, my expectations were exceeded by both the youth I serve and our community partners.
Highlights
This year has been incredibly rewarding. Key highlights include establishing trust with students through a consistent presence and open communication, partnering with educators and participating in engaging activities, and watching young people gain confidence in their abilities.
A definitive standout moment involved a true community effort. After five student welding projects were stolen from the school while drying outside, a dedicated group of students and staff came together to help. Through this teamwork, we successfully retrieved all five projects and returned them to their rightful owners.
I also had the privilege of attending multiple sporting events, witnessing student-athletes persevere and grow throughout the school year. It was equally rewarding to watch students take accountability for their actions and express a genuine desire for self-improvement. Ultimately, whenever I enter a school and students are enthusiastic to connect, share their challenges, and seek guidance, I consider it a major success.
Lessons from Local Youth
Through these interactions, I have learned that our local youth are deeply resilient, creative, and eager to be heard. This year also reinforced the critical importance of patience, flexibility, and meeting each young person exactly where they are.
I remain guided by a core philosophy that I relied on heavily throughout the year: “I listen, and I do not judge.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue strengthening these relationships and discovering innovative ways to collaborate with educators to support holistic student growth and well-being.
