Growing up in Washington D.C., Marie Lanham was first introduced to the safety patrol in elementary school. She happily volunteered for the position during 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Lanham could not have known just how much that experience would impact her in the years ahead or how her experience would inspire those around her.

After her family moved to Maryland and then Virginia, Lanham met and married a soldier, Donald Lanham, who is now retired. The couple eventually moved to Washington State with their son, Shawn, and have been married for 41 years. They are grandparents to two young grandsons

Lanham has worked with the Safety Patrol in the Clover Park School District since 2000, and during that time, she has trained more than 400 children in safety

"I always worry about the kids," she said.  "In this role as safety patrol advisor, I help instill a sense of safety within the students.

Lanham explained how proud she has been of  her students over the years and the responsibility each student displays in his or her position in safety patrol

"The students learn about responsibility, team building, and are role models to other students in the school," she said

When Lanham learned that she would be awarded AAA's Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year Award, she found herself humbled by the honor

"Fifty years ago, I was on the safety patrol," she said. "I never thought I would become an advisor or an Advisor of the Year. This is truly super special.

Lanham's family was able to attend the ceremony May 14 during a Seattle Mariners game and cheer her on as she was recognized for her achievements

"AAA treated us all so well and went over the top for the ceremony," Lanham said. "It was a stellar experience, and I am so proud of the students.

Lanham's extraordinary achievements extend to many different aspects of her life. Not only has she been a para-educator for 25 years, but she has also volunteered as a preschool teacher at Lakeview Church of Christ in Tacoma for the last 35 years. At Hillside Elementary School, Lanham is also a lunchroom supervisor and teaches reading to small groups

"I am happy to work wherever the principal needs me," she said.

With a lifetime of personal and professional achievements, Lanham has no plans to quit any time soon. She is especially fond of the continued communication with  former students, who still write to her. Many of her former students are now in college or beyond

"They still write to me and tell me how they're doing," she said. "That really does something for me. It's awesome that Safety Patrol makes a difference in children's lives."

A true story coming from a former student of Safety Patrol herself nearly 50 years ago who uses her experience to inspire others today.