During School Resource Officer Appreciation Week, the School District of Lancaster takes time to recognize the individuals who help make our schools safe, welcoming, and connected. At Reynolds Middle School, Officer Mazzante represents the heart of this work.
Now beginning her 18th year as a police officer and her fourth year as a School Resource Officer, Officer Mazzante has built something that goes beyond safety procedures or patrol routes. She has built trust.
When asked how students feel about their SRO, Sianni Torres did not hesitate. “They feel like she’s not just a police officer. They feel like she’s a mom or family, basically.”
That word, family, says everything.
Students describe her as kind and understanding. “Whenever there’s a problem or anything, you can always talk to her and express how you feel,” Sianni shared. In a middle school environment where emotions can run high and challenges feel big, having an adult who listens without judgment makes a meaningful difference.
Benjamin Gilburg echoed that same sentiment. “Not only is she good at what she does, she’s also such a good person,” he said. “Yes, she’s a cop and she’s supposed to be intimidating, but she’s also super nice.”
That balance between professionalism and approachability defines Officer Mazzante’s presence in the building. Students see her throughout the day. In the cafeteria during lunch. In the hallways between classes. At basketball practices. She is visible and accessible. Benjamin shared, “I always make a point to say hi to her.”
That daily connection builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
There are moments, however, when her role shifts from relational to protective. Benjamin recalled a time in sixth grade when an unfamiliar and threatening individual was outside the building. Officer Mazzante acted quickly, removing the individual from school property and helping students feel secure by walking them home. In that moment, students experienced both sides of her role. She is approachable and compassionate, and she is also trained and prepared when safety is on the line.
For Officer Mazzante, relationship building is central to everything she does. She believes that fostering strong connections with students, families, and staff makes it easier for concerns to be addressed early and collaboratively. Trust allows problems to be solved together. “I love my Reynolds family,” she shared, a reflection of the deep connection she feels to the school community.
Her personality adds warmth to that presence. Her most-used emoji is the laughing emoji because she laughs at her own jokes. She is not a fan of ice cream. Those small details matter. They remind students that behind the badge is a person who is relatable and real.
Chris Krokos reminds us that the most important work often happens in everyday moments. Greeting students by name. Listening carefully. Offering guidance instead of immediate punishment. Being consistent. These actions may not always be visible, but they shape how students experience school and the adults around them.
Lt. Todd Grager, Community Engagement Lieutenant with the Lancaster City Police Bureau, supervises the School Resource Officers assigned to the School District of Lancaster. He describes each SRO as invaluable to their schools. The relationships they build help bridge the gap between the Police Bureau and the community. For many students, their SRO is the face of law enforcement. Through partnership with SDoL leadership, this collaboration strengthens how we serve families across Lancaster.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. April Hershey emphasizes that safety is rooted in relationships. Effective School Resource Officers are visible, trusted, and deeply connected to their school communities. They help identify concerns early, respond thoughtfully, and create an environment where students feel supported and ready to learn.
When asked what first comes to mind when they think of Officer Mazzante, students return to the same words. Kind. Understanding. Nice.
“She’s a reassurance that we are safe,” Benjamin shared. “There’s someone we can just go talk to if we need help with anything.”
That reassurance is powerful.
As we celebrate SRO Appreciation Week, we extend our gratitude to Officer Mazzante for her dedication, her compassion, and her commitment to the Reynolds Middle School community. Through presence, partnership, and care, she helps ensure students feel not only protected, but connected.
At the School District of Lancaster, we are grateful for Officer Mazzante and all of our School Resource and Security Officers who show up each day for our students and families.
