HARRISBURG, PA — Officer James Green of the Butler Area School District has been awarded the prestigious Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, a national honor presented by the U.S. Department of Education. The award celebrates school support employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering safe, inclusive, and successful learning environments for students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Governor Josh Shapiro joined U.S. Department of Education officials on Friday in Butler County to recognize Green’s extraordinary contributions at Broad Street Elementary School, where he serves as a school police officer. “Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable man and public servant – one who brings great heart and spirit to the school community he serves every day,” said Governor Shapiro. “Officer Green embodies the very best of what it means to serve and inspire, and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am proud that he has been recognized as one of the most outstanding school employees nationally.”
Green’s impact goes well beyond his professional role of ensuring school safety. Known for his caring and proactive approach, he learns every student’s name, ensures they feel valued, and fosters a strong sense of community. His creative initiatives include maintaining a “living yearbook” with photos from school events and decorating the hallways with festive displays during the holidays. These efforts have not only brightened the school atmosphere but also garnered local media attention.
Among his many acts of kindness, Green provides students with haircuts, repairs bicycles, and even helps children with unique needs, such as teaching a blind student to play catch. Additionally, through the school’s behavior reward system, students have the opportunity to bond with him over lunch or a game of catch. His colleagues describe him as a father figure, mentor, and role model who instills pride in the school community.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona commended Green’s dedication, stating, “It is impossible to overstate the enormous impact our school employees can have on a student’s life. Officer Jim is more than a school police officer at Broad Street Elementary School. He is a warm confidante, father figure, and mentor to its students. I’m thrilled to recognize Officer Jim as the 2025 RISE honoree.”
Created by Congress in 2019, the RISE Award highlights the essential roles played by school support employees across the nation. This year, 31 nominations were submitted by 17 states, with Green emerging as a standout for his selflessness and unwavering commitment to the students and staff at Broad Street Elementary.
Angela Fitterer, Pennsylvania’s Interim Acting Secretary of Education, echoed the praise for Green, noting, “Officer Green exemplifies the vital role that school support employees across the Commonwealth play in shaping positive educational experiences, and I am incredibly proud to celebrate Officer Green today with this well-deserved national award.”
Officer Green’s efforts serve as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have by going beyond the call of duty to support and uplift a community.
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