BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- LSU senior guard Allison Hightower has been recognized for her efforts in the community as she was named to the 2010 Southeastern Conference's Women's Basketball Community Service Team, the league office has announced.

In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, the SEC once again highlighted a Community Service Team for women's basketball for the 2009-2010 season.

Hightower has played an important role in the Lady Tigers' community service efforts her entire career. She is a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes excellence on and off the court. Fans can vote for Hightower at www.seniorclassaward.com/vote.  Fans can text W7 to 74567 to vote for Hightower from mobile devices.

Hightower has visited Baton Rouge area schools and been a leader in the Lady Tigers' "Grades, Perseverance and Education" (GPA) program that was launched last summer. The GPA program was established as a partnership between LSU women's basketball and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

Hightower joined former LSU star and 2009 WNBA champion Temeka Johnson and her H.O.P.E. Foundation in speaking to schools around the Baton Rouge area about the importance of getting an education. The group also donated shoes to deserving children at Magnolia Woods Elementary School.

Hightower has spent time in classrooms and the gymnasium at Southeast Middle School where she addressed students on the importance of hard work and getting an education. The senior was adopted by the school and she has routinely made visits since the fall.

This marks the 12th year for the SEC Community Service Team for women's basketball as well as for men's basketball. All 20 league-sponsored sports have had a Community Service Team since 2004, with at-large teams for men's and women's sports being chosen from 1999-2003. The SEC began this concept with a football Community Service Team in 1994.

Hightower was joined on the team by: Alabama's Alyson Butler, Arkansas' Ashlea Williams, Auburn's Reneisha Hobbs, Florida's Steffi Sorensen, Georgia's Ashley Houts, Kentucky's Carly Morrow, Ole Miss' Alliesha Easley, Mississippi State's Bethany Washington, South Carolina's Jewel May, Tennessee's Glory Johnson and Vanderbilt's Jessica Mooney.