What better place to build conversations and camaraderie among Chartiers Valley High School students and area police officers than the school’s Coffee Tree Roasters?

Chartiers Valley School Resource Officer Kyle Kelsch and student Sofia Bragano coordinated the second annual Badges and Baristas event Dec. 19 at the coffee shop, where students could interact with police officers from Bridgeville, Collier, Scott and Heidelberg.

Bragano, 18, said the goal of the event is for teenagers and police to get to know each other better, especially with a sometimes negative stigma between the two.

“I want these students to see officers like Kelsch and other officers, and be acquaintances,” she said. “Everybody has families, everybody has feelings. No matter the situation, everyone is human. I want students and officers to get along on that level.”

Roughly 20 officers from the departments attended and interacted with students over coffee and drinks from the student-run shop. An AP Government class made “conversation cards,” listing questions and scenarios of possible police interactions, as ice breakers.

“It promotes engagement and conversation,” Kelsch said. “We hope students see the cops how they see me. I’ve broken through the barriers the past year and a half, but it’s good to feel comfortable to approach any police officer in any situation.”

Kelsch became SRO at Chartiers Valley’s middle and high schools in August 2024. He also coaches CV’s boys lacrosse team.

“Kids see me not just as a gun and a badge,” he said. “I go to every sporting event I can, in addition to school plays, musicals and concerts.

“It’s to show kids I’m here to support them. I dip my toe in everything I can.”

Kelsch is active on social media and plans other events, like an upcoming safe driving expo, to better connect with students. Building that relationship is important, he said.

“It’s someone they can go to,” he said. “I have kids that come to me all the time and ask, ‘What if this happens?’ Instead of doing a Google search for an answer, they can come to the source and get the info from me.”

Sophomore Samantha Donald said the event brought a human side to police officers and was a good opportunity for students and officers to interact.

“Fear comes from the unknown,” she said. “You see on TV: police officers are hardcore and they have a dangerous job. But they’re people just like us, and it’s important to remember.”

Junior Olivia Kennedy agreed that the relationship is important especially as students soon become adults.

“It’s important to get to talk to them and get a feel for it, and feel safe,” she said. “A lot of students like to come here and to bring badges and baristas together, it’s a good atmosphere to have.”

Collier police Sgt. Kris Sabin said events like Badges and Baristas can strengthen the relationship between teenagers and the police. Officers should be approachable and teenagers should be comfortable to talk to them, Sabin said.

It’s rewarding to hear from the younger generation, Sabin said.

“They have a unique perspective of today’s youth experiences, and are thoughtful about things,” Sabin said.

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