CPS Honors Crossing Guards for Extraordinary Service
CPS recognized four crossing guards with awards for extraordinary service during a May ceremony that celebrated the more than 700 workers who help students and families safely arrive and depart schools every day.
The four recipients of the 2024 Crossing Guard of the Year Award were recognized for going above and beyond for the students in the areas where they serve. Each of these exemplary crossing guards were nominated by a member of their school community who has seen them make a difference in the lives of children.
During the ceremony, the District also honored Senior Crossing Guards who have supported their school community for more than 20 years These workers received a certificate to show the District's appreciation for their dedication to their school community.
2024 Crossing Guard of the Year Award Recipients
Central West Region Winner Jacobo Araujo
Jacobo Araujo has served as a crossing guard at Pulaski Elementary School since 2022. He helps students get to school safely from his post at Armitage & Leavitt. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is a top priority for Jacobo and he is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to his community. Jacobo is passionate about creating a safe and comfortable environment for students and families who cross at his intersection.
Central West Region Winner Jacobo Araujo
Jacobo Araujo has served as a crossing guard at Pulaski Elementary School since 2022. He helps students get to school safely from his post at Armitage & Leavitt. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is a top priority for Jacobo and he is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to his community. Jacobo is passionate about creating a safe and comfortable environment for students and families who cross at his intersection.
Far South Region Winner Tammy T. Anderson
Tammy Anderson is a mother of three and has been a Crossing Guard since 2016. She supports Beasley Elementary at 53rd St. & State. Tammy truly enjoys her job. Ever since she was a little girl, she has always wanted to be a Crossing Guard. It started in grammar school when the gym coach would give out the orange crossing belt to students who did well and Tammy was one of them. That's when it all started.
Tammy loves people, and she views getting to know students and parents on a daily basis as a reward. She wants motorists to know that when you drive down 53rd st./State there is order and obedience. Use caution because Beasley has over 1500 people who come to pick up their students.
North Region Winner Gwenette Scott
Gwenette Scott is fairly new to the Crossing Guard Team. She has been supporting Lincoln Elementary as a Crossing Guard for about 2 years and this is her 2nd consecutive year winning.
Scott is a product of CPS. She attended Otis Elementary School and graduated from Wells Community High School. As a crossing Guard, she enjoys serving the students and parents in the Lincoln Park community. She is honored to be a valued member of her school community and strives to keep students and pedestrians safe during their commute to and from school every day.
North Region Winner Gwenette Scott
Gwenette Scott is fairly new to the Crossing Guard Team. She has been supporting Lincoln Elementary as a Crossing Guard for about 2 years and this is her 2nd consecutive year winning.
Scott is a product of CPS. She attended Otis Elementary School and graduated from Wells Community High School. As a crossing Guard, she enjoys serving the students and parents in the Lincoln Park community. She is honored to be a valued member of her school community and strives to keep students and pedestrians safe during their commute to and from school every day.
Southwest Region Winner Kimberly Dukes
Kimberly Dukes has been a Crossing Guard for more than 19 years. During her service, she has supported 15 different schools in the Englewood area. Kimberly also currently supports Christopher Elementary as a miscellaneous employee with various roles inside the school, including lunch room attendant and recess monitor.
As a student, she attended O’Toole Elementary School and graduated from Robeson High School.
A Message From District Leaders
Crossing Guards play one of the most crucial roles of our school support staff. Our incredible Crossing Guards ensure students get to and from school each day. We thank crossing guards this month and every month for their hard work and serving as a safety role model for our students.
Pedro Martinez, Chicago Public Schools CEO
The safety and security of the members of our school communities is a top priority of the District. Our Crossing Guards work hard to keep our students and families safe each day all across our City. We are excited to recognize our Crossing Guards during Crossing Guard Appreciation Month and to celebrate our Crossing Guards of the Year in May.
Jadine Chou, CPS Chief Safety and Security Officer
Careers Join CPS as a Crossing Guard
Are you interested in becoming a CPS crossing guard? We're now hiring for North, Central/West, Southwest and Far South neighborhoods. These positions offer long-term, flexible, part-time employment with benefits. Apply today to join your school community and play a crucial role in student safety. For questions, email crossingguard@cps.edu.
Contact Us
For questions or more information, reach out to us by email at crossingguard@cps.edu.