Phoenix, Ariz., February 28, 2011.  To honor those who dutifully protect Arizona’s school children, AAA Arizona reminds schools that two weeks remain to submit nominations for the fourth annual Crossing Guard of the Year Award.

“Crossing guards are an important part of our community because they are dedicated to protecting our children as they go to school each day,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Their service is invaluable to our children’s safety, so we are happy to show our appreciation for what they do.”

The auto club invites school administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students and community members to nominate their candidates whom they believe deserve the Crossing Guard of the Year designation. Self-nominations will also be accepted.

AAA Arizona traffic safety staff will evaluate nominations to select finalists for the award based on dedication, friendliness, professionalism and safety. The honors will be awarded to the two finalists, one from Maricopa County and one from Pima County, who demonstrate the best example of the procedures and responsibilities outlined in AAA’s Handbook for Adult Crossing Guards. Those winners will be announced on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, April 29, 2011. Winners will receive a recognition plaque and a $100 Target gift card.

Last year, AAA honored the award to Lena Dougherty of Val Vista Lakes Elementary School in Gilbert, and Jim and Kathy Koellisch of Coyote Trails Elementary School in Tucson, after receiving nearly 200 nominations from students, parents, community members and school faculty.

Nomination forms are available at all Maricopa County and Pima County school district offices or can be downloaded online at http://www.az.aaa.com/news/traffic/CrossingGuardoftheYear.htm . Completed forms can be mailed to AAA Arizona, Attn: Public Affairs, 3144 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz., 85013, faxed to (602) 776-0466, or emailed to publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com. Nominations must be submitted by March 11, 2011.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 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.