Her dedication goes far beyond duty. She builds trust, fosters connection, and shows up for our students in ways that truly change lives.”

Amber Luna | Sonoran Heights Middle School principal

School Resource Officer Wendy Klarkowski was named SRO of the Year for Surprise at a ceremony on April 17 at City Hall.

Klarkowski has been an SRO in the Dysart Unified School District for the past 13 years. She started at Shadow Ridge High School in 2012, serving on their campus for 10 years before transferring to her current assignment at Sonoran Heights Middle School, where she has been for the last three years.

“When I was younger I worked with kids in Sunday school,” Klarkowski said. “I love kids, and so I thought it was a chance to be an officer, which I also love, and help kids at the same time.”

In addition to her daily duties, Klarkowski is credited with implementing programs such as the Kindness Club, Heart of the Heart and SRO Coin Challenge, and she even finds time to volunteer as an assistant flag football coach for the school.

“Officer K is the heart behind the badge,” Sonoran Heights Middle School Principal Amber Luna said. “Her dedication goes far beyond duty. She builds trust, fosters connection and shows up for our students in ways that truly change lives. Winning the city of Surprise SRO of the Year Award is not just a recognition of her incredible work, it’s a celebration of the impact she makes every single day at our school. For our students and staff, she’s more than a presence — she’s safety, protection, compassion and unwavering support.”

In addition to the ceremony at City Hall, Klarkowski was recognized during an assembly at the school, where students spoke about her impact and she was presented with gifts and cards that the students had created for her.

“It means a lot that I got all these cards from the kids,” Klarkowski said with a smile. “Reading the things that they wrote, it helps you know that what you are doing makes a difference.”

The Dysart district currently has 13 SROs on school campuses and participates in the School Safety Officer program where off-duty law enforcement officers provide visibility at pickup, release, lunches, recess and anywhere where support may be needed.

“Safety is the main reason for having SROs in the schools,” Klarkowski said. “But it also gives us a chance to build those relationships with the kids. They get to see police officers in a different light.”