Haiden Rogers may only be 10, but he has adult responsibilities.

Before school and after, the Oak Harbor boy dons a florescent vest and makes sure students at Broad View Elementary get across the street safely.

This job is serious work.

Last week an elderly driver nearly ran into the students when they had their bright orange “STOP” flags up. People regularly zoom through the intersections near the school. They text. They talk. They aren’t paying attention.

Haiden was recognized for his leadership as one of 10 students in the state selected for the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame. In honor of Haiden’s selection, the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission awarded his school a $500 grant for crossing equipment and other goodies for the Safety Patrol students.

Haiden was recognized at an evening awards ceremony held before a Seattle Mariners game at Safeco Field May 14. He got to step onto the field, see his face on the jumbo screen and later watch the game from a private suite.

He is the son of Joe and Nicole Rogers of Oak Harbor.

AAA created the School Safety Patrol more than 90 years ago and partners with local agencies to bring the program to elementary schools across the state. The Safety Patrol is credited with reducing traffic-related fatalities of school age children.

Patrollers are evaluated on their commitment to traffic safety, citizenship and leadership skills.

Haiden has developed into a leader of his peers, said his teacher Kris Bishop, who also is the safety patrol adviser.

“Haiden shows great skills in watching and anticipating drivers, which makes him a strong safety patroller,” she said. “He is certainly a role model for other patrollers.”

She approached him last year and asked him to give it a try. Haiden is a serious student. She could see all the makings of a leader in Haiden. He just needed a nudge.

At first, Haiden wasn’t so sure. He was afraid he might not do a good job.

“I told him, just try it and see if you like it,” she said.

He does. Haiden isn’t afraid to address adults when they need it.

Thursday the fifth grader was standing in the crosswalk with his “STOP” sign up when two young men zoomed across on their bikes. Haiden turned toward the men and said, “Please dismount your bikes.” And they did.

The job does have its perks. Every Friday, the safety patrol kids get a free snow cone from Sno-Kone Joe. Haiden likes “sour rainbow” flavor.

Mostly, he said the job is perk enough.

“I want to help kids get to school safely,” he said.