A welcoming face
“Two years ago, we moved to Chicago from California with our three children just prior to the school year. Fannie Gardner was one of the first people we met in Chicago, and my children quickly fell in love with her. They are excited to see her each morning. She is so friendly and warm with the children. Even my 2-year old will call out her name when we approach the intersection. Fannie really helped with the transition to Chicago for my family.” —Scott Giles

Ready for all occassions
“Joe Legner uses two stop signs to stop traffic from all four directions as he steps in the middle of the intersection. He crosses students from St. Isaac Jogues and Madison Elementary before and after school and at lunchtime. On the last day before Christmas break, he dresses like Santa Claus. At Easter, you guessed it, he dresses as the Easter Bunny! He is friendly, yet firm and very professional.” —No name provided

Personal connection
“Ms. Johnson always knows when my son comes to school and if he doesn’t show up one day, she checks in with us the next day she sees us. East 55th Street and South Kimbark Avenue is a horrible intersection that I believe Ms. Johnson knows how to control perfectly. She is a very friendly and loving crossing guard that remembers almost every child’s name who passes by her daily!” —Dionne Penman

Safety extraordinaire
“Every morning I see Jimmy Floyd at his post making sure children have a safe passage across the main road to school. Every morning he greets me and others with a hearty wave and a genuine smile. He really pays attention to the kids and is concerned for their well-being. Here is a person that a lot of us see day-in and day-out and take for granted. I truly appreciate the job Jimmy Floyd does. The children crossing the street everyday may not always be mine biologically but they are the children of my community. Thanks to Jimmy Floyd for taking such great care of our children!” —No name provided

Going the extra mile
“Ms. Kuffel has been an active member of our school community for over 30 years! She takes a personal interest in the children, knowing each one by name, taking time to talk to them, and recognizing special events in their family lives. It’s not surprising to see her well before her normal starting hour out on her corner to watch over children who are dropped off at school early by parents heading for work. At other times you will find her in the school building inquiring about a child whom she felt just didn’t look right that morning.” — Elba G. deJesus

Bright spot in the day
“Every single day the crossing guard on the corner of Montclare and Foster is present at her intersection. She carefully ensures the safety of all passersby with the utmost professionalism. She always has a smile on her face and waves at everyone enthusiastically and intentionally. Walking or driving past that intersection always lifts my spirits because she does her job with so much care, dignity and grace. Her demeanor serves as an inspiration for those who are fortunate to be touched by her smile – as they head off and return back to school/work/other destinations. It is rewarding to know that such committed individuals still exist and have such an impact in your community.” —Claribel Rodriguez