School Crossing Guards Recognized Locally and by the State

Each and every school day, hundreds of dedicated Central Florida school crossing guards provide an invaluable service by helping ensure the safe passage of students commuting between home and school. To let these men and women know how important they are, the State of Florida, Orange and Seminole Counties proclaimed Friday, Feb. 5, as School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. February 10 is National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.

School crossing guards perform a critical student safety function by monitoring traffic at key intersections and escorting students and their families safely across those roadways on school days. While performing this essential function, school crossing guards face many challenges that include environmental conditions, inclement weather and other factors. Despite these challenges, school crossing guards are vigilant at keeping our region’s students safe from harm.

Seminole County Crossing Guards

In Seminole County, two crossing guards received special recognition for their service from the county and the state.

Bernard Hudley was named Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – School Crossing Guard of the Year. “Bernard does an amazing job for the Midway community servicing Midway Elementary and Millennium Middle Schools,” said JoJo Sturm, SCSO School Crossing Guard Supervisor. “After nearly 2,000 votes, he was our winner.”

Additionally, the Florida Department of Transportation recognized Leo Gomez as School Crossing Guard of the Year for the State. “Leo had so many overwhelming complements from the community,” said JoJo. Leo works for Stenstrom Elementary and Chiles Middle Schools.

“Both were very surprised, I would even say overwhelmed,” JoJo added. “They are very deserving of these awards.”

Orange County and Orlando Crossing Guards

In Orange County, OCPS Board Chair Teresa Jacobs and Superintendent Barbara Jenkins signed a proclamation recognizing the more than 600 crossing guards who keep our students safe. Mayor Demings and Orange County Commissioners also proclaimed February 5 as School Crossing Guard Day to express gratitude for our crossing guards.

See the full OCPS School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day proclamation.

Crossing Guard Supervisor Super Stars

We’d also like to give a shout out to the traffic safety and crossing guard supervisors who work relentlessly to keep the crossing guard positions staffed and oversee the more than 800 crossing guard posts in our region. Due to the part-time nature of the job, many of these positions turn over and must be constantly refilled and retrained. Thank you to Orange County Sheriff’s Office Bertis Negron, Orlando Police Department Danielle Campbell and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Joanne (JoJo) Sturm who do a fabulous job at overseeing the crossing guard operation.

A Few Good Men and Women Needed

Orange County and the City of Orlando currently have openings for school crossing guards. These are part-time positions during the school year. The Orange County job description states “School Crossing Guards regulate, guide, and control pedestrians at a designated school crossing while children are going to and from school by performing the following essential duties and responsibilities however, other duties may be assigned. Remains standing at the school crossing in full view of passing traffic for a specified period of time. Guides and directs pedestrians and school children through busy intersections utilizing issued safety gear to ensure pedestrian safety. Remains alert for possible safety concerns at school crossing. Reports emergencies, equipment defects, and traffic dangers. Records and reports license number of potentially dangerous vehicles.  This is a contracted position and will need to be renewed annually.”

The job could be perfect for a retiree or parent who wants to work a few hours each day as their child goes to school. Click here to learn more about City of Orlando crossing guard jobs and click here to learn more about Orange County crossing guard positions.