A Federal Way fifth-grader is one of 10 students recently inducted into the AAA Washington’s AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

Fifth-grader Cesar Cardoso from Enterprise Elementary School was inducted into the Hall of Fame in early June, an honor that recognizes a student’s commitment to traffic safety, helping fellow students and exemplary leadership skills, according to the company.

“Cesar ensures the safety of himself and other members in our school community by having people wait behind the school safety flag,” said advisor Kim Cubbage. “When faced with a situation where the intent of the driver is unclear, Cesar directs students back on the curb to let the car pass, then safely crosses the students.”

AAA’s Washington’s School Safety Patrol program encourages fourth through eighth graders throughout the state to volunteer as crossing guards to keep their fellow classmates safe while getting to and from school. The program teaches local youth important skills like responsibility, leadership, and service.

In 2022, more than 11,250 students across 750 schools in Washington participated in the program.

“As we enter the 101st Year of our School Safety Patrol program, we are proud to recognize these ten outstanding patrollers as the state’s top patrollers,” said Heather Snavely, CEO of AAA Washington. “We honor the hard work, dedication, and leadership skills of all our Safety Patrollers, who have gone above and beyond to keep their classmates and communities safe.”

During a school assembly, Cesar was awarded a plaque, certificates, badges and AAA swag. He was also recognized at the virtual awards ceremony for the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame on June 6.

“He started Safety Patrol last year as a fourth grader and this year is the captain and leads a team of 10 to help all of our scholars arrive and depart school safely every day,” said Alicia Holtzclaw, Enterprise principal.

This year is the 31st year of AAA Washington’s Hall of Fame honors.