Chicago Public Schools Crossing Guard of the Year Winners

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CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today honored the more than 600 crossing guards who play a critical role in safeguarding students as they travel to and from school. The District's annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day recognized these individuals for their commitment to student safety and invaluable contributions to school communities.

"Rain or shine, our crossing guards are there, ensuring students cross busy streets safely and providing families with peace of mind," said CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. "These familiar faces also help set a positive tone for students' school days."

Each honoree stood out not just for keeping their intersection safe, but for going above and beyond. Whether that meant greeting every child by name, offering encouragement, or serving as a reliable, friendly presence, these valued employees turn street corners into intersections of connection and care.

During Thursday's celebration at the District's Colman Administrative Office, CPS presented the Crossing Guard of the Year Awards to four exemplary individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities. Nominated by students, families, school leaders, and local businesses, these honorees were recognized for their reliability, dedication, and positive influence.

School Year 2025-2026 Crossing Guard of the Year Honorees:
Gwen Ford-Nino (North Region) - Serving as a crossing guard for an incredible 46 years, Ford-Nino supports both Nettelhorst Elementary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy. The devoted mother of two and proud grandmother is known for her welcoming smile and unwavering commitment. She is a cherished and trusted figure in the Lakeview and Buena Park neighborhoods.

Consuelo "Connie" Reyes (Central West Region) - Reyes has served the Little Village community as a crossing guard since 2001. A devoted mother of four and proud grandmother of 12, Reyes has spent the past 25 years protecting students at Zapata Elementary School and Little Village High School, including two of her own children and grandchildren. Reyes is known for her warmth, kindness, and reassuring daily smile. Reyes has become a trusted and familiar presence for generations of students and families.

Sharon Wilkins (Southwest Region) - Wilkins, a proud CPS alum, has served as a crossing guard at Harvard Elementary School at 76th Street and Vincennes Avenue for more than three years. A proud mother of two, Wilkins explains that her favorite part of the job is connecting with students each day, checking in on how they are doing, and offering advice to help guide them in a positive direction. Her care and encouragement have made her a valued role model within the school community.

Shshana Simmons (Far South Region) - Simmons has faithfully served students and families at Metcalfe Elementary School for the past two and a half years at the intersection of 123rd Street and Normal Avenue. Known for her bright smile and warm personality, Simmons brings positivity and compassion to the school community every day. A proud mother of four, she is especially excited to celebrate her youngest son's upcoming 8th-grade graduation.

Joe Sass, Going Above and Beyond Award - Sass, a crossing guard at Jamieson Elementary, received the District's Going Above and Beyond Award for safely escorting students across the busy intersection of Bryn Mawr and California. Known as a "gentle giant," he has dedicated the past four years to ensuring the safety of students and their families. During a January water main break that flooded the intersection, he lifted students to carry them safely through the water. A news helicopter captured his heartwarming actions, highlighting his dedication.

Crossing guards like Shshana, Sharon, Connie, Gwen, and Joe serve as a visual reminder to motorists to slow down in school zones where children are crossing and help students learn safe pedestrian habits, such as looking both ways before stepping onto the road and walking bikes across the street.

"Crossing guards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our students while also fostering lasting relationships with their families," said CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield. "These honorees do much more than just direct traffic; they offer encouragement and guidance to our students. Their friendly smiles provide our students with an additional trusted adult they can rely on during their journeys to and from school."

The importance of crossing guards is highlighted by sobering traffic statistics from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), which reported approximately 2,200 pedestrian-involved crashes and more than 50 pedestrian deaths in 2023. CDOT has established Children's Safety Zones around schools, enforcing reduced speed limits and enhanced safety measures.

CPS and CDOT encourage all motorists to follow these school zone safety reminders:
Always check crosswalks when turning.
Stop for pedestrians - it's the law.

Obey crossing guards' signals and instructions. Crossing guards wear highly reflective clothing and use handheld stop signs to increase visibility and alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.

Avoid distractions, such as texting or using a phone, while driving.
Drive with caution in poor weather conditions.

Allow extra time for drop-offs and pick-ups, avoid double parking or blocking intersections, and never maneuver around stopped vehicles in school zones.

"As CPS continues to invest in student safety, we remain deeply grateful to the hundreds of crossing guards who ensure children arrive at school safely each day and return home just as securely," said Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield.