Logan Eash used to look out the window on his way to kindergarten and watch the older elementary school students work as crossing guards.

“I thought it would be cool,” said Eash, 12.

Last Friday the Oak Harbor Intermediate School sixth grader learned he was inducted into the 2018 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame. Eash was honored with a surprise announcement during lunch, which included a certificate presented by Officer Nathan Padrta, school resource officer, and an unexpected visit from his parents and brother.

He and the nine other inductees from around the state will be recognized at the Seattle Mariners game on Friday, May 4, at Safeco Field.

“I never expected that this would ever happen,” Eash said of learning he’d been selected.

Eash is now a veteran patroller, having joined when was a fourth grader at Broad View Elementary. Kris Bishop, safety patrol advisor, said Eash played a big role in establishing the crossing guard program at OHI.

Eash encouraged students to apply and even helped train them without having to be asked. Bishop said when she gets held up, Eash will often get the other patrollers ready to go and make sure the hot chocolate is set out for everyone.

“It’s nice to know that part of it is taken care of when I get there,” she said.

She said while he’s on the job, Eash always follows directions and is vigilant but polite about asking others to respect the rules. After a school employee crossed the road while on his phone and without looking first, Eash made sure to talk to the person about the rules.

“It was scary,” Eash said of the incident.

Despite some unnerving moments, he said he enjoys being a crossing guard. Bishop said even on days when he isn’t scheduled, Eash will often show up to school early in case he needs to fill in for anybody.

“I like that you get to welcome the kids and crossers to school and that it provides a service towards the school,” he said.

Eash’s hall of fame selection was based on an application he and Bishop filled out. In the questionnaire, Eash said he felt that being a safety patroller was important because it demonstrated community service and advocated safety as a priority.

“I’m just very proud of Logan’s accomplishment and how much he’s matured in the last two years,” Bishop said.

Eash will end his run as a crossing guard this year after training the new patrollers. He highly suggests other students join the program.

“If you like giving service back to other students and staff members who work at your school,” he said.

“I’d recommend giving back to them by doing safety patrol.”