AAA Names State’s Top Crossing Guards of the Year
Phoenix, Ariz., April 30, 2010. In the heat, cold and rain, school crossing guards play a critical role in school and traffic safety. That’s why AAA honors these stewards on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, which is recognized as the last Friday each April. In addition, the auto club is using this day of recognition to award the top guards in the state with its distinguished Crossing Guard of the Year award.
“Crossing guards work tirelessly each and every day of the school year to make sure students get to and from school safely,” said Linda Gorman, director of public affairs for AAA Arizona. “It’s important that they be recognized all year long. “It’s an honor to recognize all crossing guards on this day, and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty by presenting them with AAA’s Crossing Guard of the Year award.”
For their dedication, friendliness, professionalism and safety, AAA is bestowing the title of Crossing Guard of the Year to the following guards:
- Lena Dougherty, Val Vista Lakes Elementary School, Maricopa County
- Jim and Kathy Koellisch, Coyote Trails Elementary School, Pima County
In addition, the auto club is presenting an honorable mention award to Lulu DeSomma from Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School in Peoria.
"Lena takes great pride in her responsibilities as the crossing guard. She knows each child by name and meets and greets everyone who goes by,” said Susie Apel, principal of Val Vista Lakes Elementary School in Gilbert. “She is the "safety angel" of the Val Vista Lakes Community.”
“Jimmy and Kathy have been the first, and only set of crossing guards for the past 14 years at Coyote Trail Elementary, said Dan Johnson, principal of Coyote Trail Elementary School in Tucson. “They have not only helped to create an incredible sense of safety as students come and go from school, but they have also worked hard to ensure every student feels part of our school family. We are thankful for their tireless support and commitment to our students, staff and entire Coyote Trail community.”
AAA began its search for the third annual award earlier in the school year. Nearly 200 nominations from students, community members, parents, school administrators, faculty and staff were received, describing why their crossing guard should be selected. AAA staff evaluated nominations to select finalists before conducting an observation of each guard performing their crossing duties.
The winning guards will be awarded a plaque and a $100 Target gift card, courtesy of AAA. The guard receiving an honorable mention will also receive a plaque and a $50 Target gift card.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
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