Highland Terrace student inducted into Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Preston Yao poses with his AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame plaque.
Photo by Jennifer Yeh

Highland Terrace Elementary student Preston Yao was inducted into the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame during a special awards ceremony preceding the May 14 Mariners game at Safeco Field. Yao was among only 10 students in the state to be recognized this year for showcasing courage and leadership in school safety patrol.

AAA Washington and a panel of judges from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission select top patrollers from schools across Washington each year and honor their accomplishments through induction in the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

Preston Yao and Teacher/Safety Patrol Advisor Mark Owen
enjoy the Mariners game.
Photo by Jennifer Yeh

Patrollers are evaluated and judged on their commitment to traffic safety, citizenship, leadership skills, and contributions to school safety patrol programs. Nominations require input from both the patroller and their advisor, including responses to a series of essay questions.

In addition to the awards banquet before the game where he received a plaque and gift card, Yao and the other inductees were also recognized during the Mariners game.

“We’re so proud of Preston and our school’s safety patrol,” said Mark Owen, 5th grade teacher and patrol advisor at Highland Terrace. “We had 88 students, staff, and family attend the game to cheer him on.”