What began as a small, boys-only initiative in 1920, is proudly celebrating its centennial anniversary. With over 675,000 patrollers—including boys and girls—in 35,000 schools, the AAA School Safety Patrol is the world’s largest school-based safety program — instilling lessons of good citizenship, leadership and responsibility. Today, these young leaders dedicate their time before and after school each day, working with teachers, supervisors, adult crossing guards and law enforcement to ensure the safety of their classmates.

Past patrollers have grown up to be U.S. presidents or vice presidents (Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden), astronauts, governors, members of Congress and Supreme Court justices (William Brennan, Stephen Breyer, Warren Burger, Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas) as well as Olympic-Gold medalists (Lynette Woodard and Edwin Moses). Many patrollers also now serve as educators, executives, physicians and other community leaders throughout the nation.

The AAA School Safety Patrol Program is grounded in a rich history. Charles M. Hayes, then president of the Chicago Motor Club, is credited for building the infrastructure and providing the resources so other AAA clubs across the U.S. could protect school-aged children walking to and from school. Hayes witnessed several children struck and killed by a speeding car at a school crossing. After the horrific incident, Hayes pledged to help prevent such a tragedy from happening again. From that day forward, patrollers received traffic safety training designed to keep children safer while walking to and from their school. Because of the steadfast dedication of Hayes, the program is now 100 years strong and continues to have a positive impact on schools, students and communities.