Des Plaines Student Named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year
Fifth Grader Recognized for Leadership and Commitment to Safety
During an assembly at Cumberland Elementary School, fifth grader Isabella Greco was recognized by representatives of AAA – The Auto Club Group as the School Safety Patroller of the Year for the state of Illinois. Greco was selected from numerous candidates from across the state based on her leadership qualities, safety knowledge, and school as well as community involvement.
While serving as AAA safety patrol captain, Greco was required to know the responsibilities of each 13 different patrol jobs and a part of her duties were to circulate throughout the school building during arrival, lunch, recess, and dismissal to ensure safety procedures were followed. In addition to being a Safety Patroller, Greco plays viola in the school orchestra, is a member of the student council, and volunteers as an “Inclusion Buddy” and a Special Olympics Buddy. Outside of school, she plays softball, is a member of the Girl Scouts and volunteers at Waggy Tails Dog Shelter.
Patrol co-coordinator and Cumberland 5th Grade teacher Christina Sweeney stated in her nomination that Greco is a role model and trusted leaders within the school and neighborhood communities who is consistently dependable and has the utmost integrity.
In the student essay portion of her nomination, Greco wrote: “I want everyone in this community to be safe and not have to worry about any dangers or injuries. As a patroller I have learned that everyone’s safety is important, and that you have to be responsible, respectful, and to empower others to make our school a better place.”
“It is an honor to present Isabella with the Patroller of the Year Award,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “She truly embodies the qualities of leadership and service that the AAA School Safety Patrol program seeks to instill in participating students.”
A proud tradition since 1920, the AAA School Safet Patrol now includes more than 600,000 patrollers in schools nationwide. Student who give their time and energy to make the AAA School Safety Patrol a success are encouraged and supported by school officials, parent, parent-teacher groups, police departments, and AAA Clubs.
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. Morning Consult recently ranked AAA Insurance as America's most trusted insurance brand for 2026, reflecting the confidence consumers place in the AAA brand. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.