AVON — Avon School Resource Officer Richard Craig is being recognized nationally for his role in the school.
Craig is utilizing TikTok to reach students throughout his district, the state and the country with challenging questions they have. Today, @OfficerCraig has nearly 127,000 followers.
"Everywhere you look, the kids, including my own, they're on these platforms," Craig said.
He takes words of wisdom to TikTok. He also goes live multiple times a week to give students a chance to ask questions.
"I may have students that may not want to approach me in the hallway," Craig said. "Maybe they don't want to be seen talking to the police."
As a dad himself, he said he wants to truly be there for the students.
"Do something nice for somebody," Craig said. "Say something nice, because you never truly understand or know how something you say or do, no matter how small, can change the trajectory of someone else's life."
Changing lives is something his students said he's good at.
"He wants to keep all the kids out of trouble," Avon senior Marcus Toogood said. "He's doing the best he can."
After mass shootings across the country, school resource officers had to take a different approach.
"This is a role you truly have to care (about)," Craig said. "You have to care enough about these kids becoming successful adults (that) you're willing to lay your own safety and life on the line."
Craig was recognized for the work he is doing inside the school. He was named the Region-5 School Resource Officer of the Year, by the National Association of School Resource Officers.
-
IU reinstates the Bison as the official IU-Bloomington mascot
The wait is finally over. The Bison is back in Bloomington after a nearly 60-year hiatus, Indiana University announced on Monday.WNBA All-Star 2025: What to know about security, traffic and more
The briefing is providing important updates on street closures, safety protocols, and emergency response coordination.Rockstar Pizza's 'pizza rock' hunt boosts community spirit in Brownsburg
The hand-painted "pizza rock" treasure hunt, began five years ago and has taken social media by storm. This fun community activity encourages residents to search for a hidden rock.31 years later, Franklin police identify parents in 'Baby Hope' cold case
A cold case from 1994 that captured national attention was the focus of a significant update from Franklin Police on Monday.