Harrisonville High School group received a regional award for their work to make their community a safer place.

A Harrisonville High School group received a regional award for their work to make their community a safer place.

The HHS Traction team received the Kansas City Region Show Me Zero Award at the 2022 Highway Safety Heroes Awards Banquet on Sept. 28 hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The HHS Traction team is focused on pedestrian and driving safety and works in conjunction with the Harrisonville Cares Coalition - a community organization with the same focus.

The coalition completed an initiative to keep pedestrians safer by partnering with the Harrisonville Streets Department, in which they installed crosswalk flashers and signs throughout the city. In 2022, Harrisonville Traction members, with the help of School Resource Officer Ramsey, testified before a Missouri Senate Committee to advance the Distracted Driving Legislation in conjunction with the “Hands-Free Missouri” members. Traction members also promote the “Buckle Up. Phones Down” initiative through various activities at the high school and in the community.

Pictured are Harrisonville Police Chief John Hofer, HHS Traction members Brooklyn Rhoney and Kirsten Talley, Kasey Wilson (Highway Safety Program Manager for MoDot), Officer Scott Ramsey, and Rachel Penny (Traction coordinator).