Luo inducted into school safety patrol hall of fame
Published 4:30 pm Thursday, June 11, 2026
When Vivian Luo’s parents began walking her to school in the first grade, the youngster looked up to the older safety patrol students who helped her cross the road.
That admiration of the patrollers continued for the next two years, and then it was Luo’s turn to get involved in the safety scene. She signed up for safety patrol in fourth grade, and now the 11-year-old Lakeridge Elementary School fifth-grader has been inducted into AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol (SSP) Hall of Fame.
The Mercer Islander donning the brightly-colored safety vest is one of four Seattle-area students and is among 10 patrollers statewide to earn this accolade, according to a press release.
Luo feels proud and overjoyed to notch the honor, adding that she’s grateful to be part of a supportive Island community.
“Vivian is a leader, and she is respectful, responsible and a great mentor to her peers,” said her SSP adviser Karen Nguyen. “Vivian will always jump in to sub for anyone who is out sick.”
Added Megan West, AAA Washington’s chief experience officer: “We’re proud of every patroller and applaud our 10 new Hall of Famers for going the extra mile in their communities.”
Bei Luo, Vivian’s father, said the family is surprised, happy and grateful for Vivian’s immense accomplishment in helping the school and community.
“We observed Vivian is very passionate about helping other people in the safety patrol,” he said. “It’s a great honor to receive this recognition.”
Vivian gave a rundown on what her job entails, noting that she and the patrol hold flags and help kids cross the road safely; help kids take their bikes out of racks and remind them to walk their bikes on school grounds; communicate with teachers during crossings and more. She volunteers with the patrol two days a week after school from 3:45-4 p.m.
Vivian was a little nervous when she stepped on board the patrol last year, and now she’s brimming with confidence after her patrol mates taught her the ropes.
“I really like leading everyone and helping around because it feels really nice to have everyone feel grateful, and I really like helping people cross the street, just keeping them safe,” Vivian said. “They’re all very supportive. I love my school, and my friends are very kind and very happy to see me get this award.”
She wants to make an impact as a patrol member and let people know that crossing the street safely is an important and serious part of one’s day.
The fifth-grade orchestra cellist enjoys her math classes and is involved in coding, karate and swimming outside of the school realm.
The Washington state SSP program was established in 1922 at John Muir Elementary in Seattle and presently includes more than 700 partner schools and 22,000 student patrollers.
