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Two Local Students Selected as 2016 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame Inductees

10 Inductees Will Be Honored At May 14 Seattle Mariners Game

BELLEVUE, Wash. — DiBaggio Ramirez-Diaz of Tukwila Elementary and Preston Yao of Highland Terrace School in Shoreline are the newest inductees to the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame. Ramirez-Diaz and Yao are being recognized for showcasing their courage and leadership in school safety patrol. They will be among the top 10 outstanding patrollers in Washington state to be inducted in the 2016 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

In recognition of their dedication to safety, community stewardship and leadership, Ramierz-Diaz and Yao will be recognized at an evening awards ceremony held before a Seattle Mariners game at Safeco Field on Saturday, May 14.

As a long standing tradition, AAA Washington and a panel of judges from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission select top patrollers from schools across Washington each year and honor their accomplishments through induction in the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

Patrollers are evaluated and judged on their commitment to traffic safety, citizenship, leadership skills, and contributions to school safety patrol programs. Nominations require input from both the patroller and their advisor, including responses to a series of essay questions. This year, the panel reviewed and evaluated nearly 50 nominations to determine the top 10 inductees.

Gianna Pirak, of Finch Elementary in Spokane, will be awarded the AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaver Award, and Marie Lanham, school safety patrol advisor at Hillside Elementary from Joint Base Lewis McChord, will be recognized as the fifth annual AAA School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year.

2016 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Robert Flach– Harmony Elementary – Vancouver
  • Taylor Franklin – Cascade Ridge Elementary – Sammamish
  • Taylor Galbreath – Ritzville Grade School – Ritzville
  • Riley Gustas – Poulsbo Elementary – Poulsbo
  • Colby Majewski – Image Elementary – Vancouver
  • Aderyn McLean – Riverview Elementary – Vancouver
  • DiBaggio Ramirez-Diaz – Tukwila Elementary – Tukwila
  • Haiden Rogers – Broad View Elementary – Oak Harbor
  • Kloe Salazar – Dower Elementary – Lakewood
  • Preston Yao – Highland Terrace School – Shoreline

AAA School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year:

  • Marie Lanham – Hillside Elementary – Joint Base Lewis McChord

AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaver Award:

  • Gianna Pirak – Finch Elementary – Spokane

AAA created the School Safety Patrol more than 90 years ago and partners with local agencies to bring the program to elementary schools across Washington. The safety patrol has been credited with being a major contributor to the substantial reduction in traffic related fatalities of school age children (ages 5-14).

About AAA Washington:

AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 prominent Seattleites determined to champion the betterment of motoring conditions and laws, the preservation of Washington state’s natural beauty and the promotion of Washington as an unrivaled tourist destination. Nearly 120 years later, the club continues to pursue these on behalf of its 1.2 million members. 

Members of AAA Washington receive exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts on hotels and rental cars, comprehensive insurance options, and personalized trip planning. AAA Washington was named a Best Place to Work by Puget Sound Business Journal and voted the best Travel/Tourism Company by 425 Business readers in 2023, and AAA was named one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. Additional information is available through the company’s Washington and northern Idaho stores and at www.AAA.com. 

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

Media Contact

Fearey o/b/o AAA Washington 
AAA@feareygroup.com 
206-838-9209 

Twitter: @AAA_Washington
Facebook: AAA Washington
Instagram: aaawashington

Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Find more Pacific Northwest scenic drives and road trips.

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