Safe Routes to School

Ursula Coleman
Venable Elementary (Charlottesville)

Officer Ursula Coleman, the crossing guard at Venable Elementary School, is for many children the first face associated with the school at the beginning of the day and the last as they leave to go home. She greets everyone cheerfully while never wavering a moment from ensuring safety for all. She knows the children, which makes them feel welcomed and valued before they even set foot in the school. To top it off, she is patient, gracious, and excels at keeping our children safe and moving traffic efficiently.

Ursula has drastically changed the safety and efficiency of drop off at Venable. Whenever she is present, parents know their children and their friends are safe and loved by an amazing public servant.

Royce McCoy
Great Bridge Intermediate and High School (Chesapeake)

Royce McCoy, locally known as “Santa Cross,” is an expert at managing traffic flow, backups, and ensuring safety for kids who need to cross. But he might be more well known for his smile. Not a day goes by where Royce McCoy’s big smile doesn’t brighten the day of someone walking or driving through the intersection near Great Bridge High School and Great Bridge Intermediate, a two-school campus that serves over 2,200 students combined. Mr. McCoy, a retired firefighter, continues to serve his community as the school's traffic guru and he demonstrates pure happiness every morning and every afternoon during the week.

McCoy received over four pages of comments lauding his kindness, positive attitude, and expertise in managing safety and traffic with a smile. From all these comments, one thing is clear – Mr. McCoy is a treasured and indispensable part of the Chesapeake community. 

Zeleke Taffesse
Taylor Elementary (Arlington)

There are some people who are just extra special. And it's not because they're the loudest or funniest or have the most personality.  It's often because their true human kindness and charm shows through. Zeleke Taffesse from Taylor Elementary School, also known as Mr. Z, fits the bill. What better than to be greeted with a warm, friendly smile and a little bit of positive energy as you are coming or going from school? Whether you're an adult or a child, Mr. Z sees you, looks you in the eye, and greets you from his heart. He is careful. He is watchful.  He takes his job seriously, but above all he is simply a good human whose smile stays with you after it's offered. Mr. Z is awesome!

Mary Randolph
Warrenton Middle School (Warrenton)

Mary Randolph, crossing guard at Warrenton Middle School, has been a crossing guard for 32 years. In fact, she was the first ever crossing guard for Fauquier County Public Schools! During that time, Mrs. Randolph has done more than make children feel safe. She makes them look forward to going to the crossing. She has put her life in danger to stop motorists from harming the children. But mostly, they love her for making them feel seen. She knows their names; she remembers things they tell her about themselves; and she asks specific questions about their lives. They have drawn her pictures and made her art projects for her.

Mrs. Randolph is an incredible soul and one of the most caring people in the world. Her nominators cannot imagine a more deserving civil servant.

Wilma Modlin
Oceanair Elementary (Norfolk)

Wilma Modlin has been serving as crossing guard for Oceanair Elementary School for the past ten years.  Ms. Wilma is an outstanding school crossing guard because the commitment to her students is always evident. Ms. Wilma knows her walkers by name. She knows which students are walking in a direction other than towards their homes. She makes it a point to commend students on their safe and positive behaviors. She even distributes small tokens for holidays to the students. She helps with the bus, traffic congestion, daycare vans, slipping and sliding students, and in any other way she can, always with that signature smile.

Ms. Wilma truly goes above and beyond what is expected of her and is a role model in every sense of the word.

Dina Perry
Belmont Station Elementary (Ashburn) 

Dina Perry goes above and beyond with ensuring the safety of the children and families at Belmont Station Elementary. She takes the time to learn everyone's names and has made a huge impact on so many kids. They have learned so much about safety when crossing streets on foot or on bike. No matter if it’s rain or shine... she brightens our day. Everyone looks forward to seeing Dina!

One afternoon, it started raining really hard with thunder and lightning. The school delayed the dismissal of the students due to the storm, however a parent was already waiting outside. Dina called the parent over and allowed them to sit in her van until students were dismissed to ensure the parent’s safety from the storm as well.  She is an amazing and dedicated member of the community!

Clarence Daniels, Newsome Park Elementary (Newport News)

Like the old post office motto, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," Mr. Daniels has been a very devoted crossing guard for fifteen years. He is at his post bright and early, ready to greet students and parents as they arrive to school in the morning. He is ever vigilant, watching for careless motorists, miscreants and unsafe situations that surround the school. Even when he has called out for the day, he could still be found at his morning post to make sure the students were safe. "I'll be sick after the morning late bell," he has been noted to say. His dedication is not limited to traditional school hours/days. There was an incident in the adjacent community on a Saturday when the students were returning from a field trip. Not officially on duty, Mr. Daniels kept in contact with the bus drivers to make sure they didn't get caught in an active shooting situation upon their return. He met the buses and made sure everyone was picked up safely. This is but one of many reasons Mr. Daniels should be Most Outstanding Crossing Guard.

Holly Gorman, Gordon Elementary (North Chesterfield)

Holly Gorman has been a school crossing guard for approximately two years at Gordon Elementary School. This year she has gone above and beyond to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. In the beginning of the year the traffic pattern at Gordon created a constant back up in the morning that blocked her crossing. She took it upon herself to meet with a school resource officer, the principal and her supervisor to come up with solutions. She quickly got the traffic pattern changed with painted arrows, cones and signage. She has approximately any where from 50 to 75 pedestrians and knows them all by name. When the supervisor covers for her the walkers are quick to say, " Where is Officer Gorman? She knows how to keep us safe." What a great bond and roll model to have for the pedestrians, students, and staff of Gordon Elementary School!

Grace Maynard, Richard Bowling Elementary (Norfolk)

Grace Maynard is very vigilant when it comes to the protection of our scholars at Richard Bowling Elementary School. She aides in the protection of any child being bullied. She also makes sure no child stands alone on the corner waiting for their ride. G. Maynard has being seen giving money to any child who has lost their lunch money on the way to school. Tying shoes is one of her specialties; no scholar crosses the street unless their shoes are tied. G. Maynard's smile lets scholars know that she loves them and wants them to be safe. Every scholar that crosses the street when G. Maynard is on duty is greeted with a "Good Morning" and "Have a nice day." Scholars ask about her when she takes a day off. Our parents have also come to trust her with their children. Many parents will wave, blow their horn, or just stop to say hi.

She has dedicated ten years to the Coast Guard Auxiliary for Homeland Security, and is a proud sponsor of Junior Jaime Muchave, a two year old boy from Mozembique. G. Maynard is a great asset to the school and our community and we hope she stays for many more years to come.

Joe McDonald, Coates Elementary (Herndon)

Joe McDonald has a big heart, and we see it every day at Coates Elementary! Joe does not only come to Coates ES to flawlessly perform his job duties, he is part of our community. Joe builds relationships with our parents, teachers, administrators, and students. We all have confidence Joe is taking care of our students every day. Joe is also part of our schools' mentoring program. Each week, on his time off, he comes during a student lunchtime and spends time with them. If one of his walking students is absent for several days, he comes to the front office to check on their well-being. Joe also helped our school create and implement a safer kiss and ride procedure to insure the safety of our walking students.

Here's a quick story: One of our autistic walker students was leaving mid-year to go to another school. Joe interacted with him and his mom everyday giving them high fives, hugs, and talking to this student. On the student's last day, Joe had a balloon and a gift for him! The mom was overwhelmed with gratitude, and surprised that Joe remembered her son's last day in such a caring way. This is the Joe McDonald we see every day at Coates.

Kathy Patterson, Jamestown Elementary (Arlington)

Our family lives directly across the street from Jamestown Elementary School, with full vantage to see the safety violations, close calls, and less than friendly attitudes from some drivers. Luckily, we also see everyday, twice a day, our champion, Kathy Patterson, the crossing guard who is ready and willing to take on these challenges to keep our children safe. Kathy not only fulfills the job of allowing our children to cross the street in the cross walk safely, but she does so much more. She arrives early to her post every day, places safety cones in locations to assist drivers in knowing where they cannot park and where they cannot stop. She uses her whistle for all good purposes - preventing delivery drivers from blocking the bus paths, drivers from blocking driveways of residences, drivers who attempt to make U-turns in the middle of the street, drivers who watch their kids walk down the sidewalk instead of watching in front of them on the road, and I could go on!

Despite the demands of this difficult and pressure-filled job, Kathy is friendly and warm to all she helps. She wishes kids happy birthday, and gets to know the regular walkers. She's engaging with our children and parents, and seeks to be a positive influence in every respect. Her stern voice is saved for when it is truly needed - to prevent safety violations and crashes. And, she continues in this role for years even as she is berated by those safety violators who do not like to be "called out."

Robert "Bob" Roberts, Shelburne Middle (Staunton)

This nomination is being submitted posthumously. Our nominee, Mr. Bob Roberts, passed away on January 18, 2019. Bob worked right up until he was just too sick to continue. It was obvious to everyone that he loved his job; he always had a smile on his face (regardless of the weather) and received many compliments over the years from students, parents, and school staff. He was a beloved fixture on Grubert Avenue near Shelburne Middle School and was an absolute joy to work with. Bob's dedication to his job was apparent to everyone. Even though he was very sick Bob reported to work early every day with a big smile and great attitude. Bob will be greatly missed by all that worked with him.

 Almaz Abebe, Arlington County Public Schools

Almaz Abebe exhibits strength, awareness, and professionalism every day as a crossing guard at Kenmore Middle School. She always treats children with care and respect that is reflected in the respect children show her as they wait patiently to be crossed and do not flout the rules.

One day in early September, Almaz saved an overeager 6th grader from being run over. According to the student's parent, "All of the traffic lights surrounding Kenmore were blinking yellow. The police department stationed a cruiser to stop traffic so that the crossing guard would be able to cross the children safely. My child, oblivious to her surroundings, stepped off the curb into oncoming traffic. Ms. Abebe physically lifted her out of the street and back onto the sidewalk. I saw the entire incident from two blocks away, and all I could think until Ms. Abebe got her back onto the sidewalk was 'My child almost died on her first day walking to middle school.' I am incredibly thankful."

 Dave Becker, Loudoun County Public Schools

The nominations for Dave Becker make it clear he is a pillar in his community. As a crossing guard, he exceeds expectations in kindness, safety, and consistency, and people remark that he makes kids feel cared for as they start and end their day. While remaining attentive to students, he also waves to commuters and parents driving past. Dave is present during the heat, cold, rain, and snow, and always has a smile on his face while maintaining a safe environment for the children.

Parents at Emerick Elementary and Blue Ridge Middle School appreciate his "kind-hearted approach and message. They are grateful to him for the value he places in his work." David is a retired firefighter, and continually seeks other opportunities to be involved, making announcements over the school loudspeakers and attending school events and musical productions.

 Beeda Lee-Pawlak, Fairfax County Public Schools

Beeda Lee-Pawlak is a first year crossing guard duty, but those who nominated her have "never been more impressed with a crossing guard." Beeda expertly manages the busy intersection of Westmorland Street and Haycock Road, and her friendly and firm demeanor effectively conveys to cars and buses how to operate, with minimal back up. Bus drivers understand exactly when to stop and turn without hesitation or confusion.

Beeda's hard work, diligence, kindness, and control allow students to arrive at school smiling and ready to learn. Parents emphasize that despite the busy traffic their children must cross, they feel confident knowing that Beeda is there to assist them. "Her whistle, uniform, and hand motions are always crisp and perfect. I have never seen a crossing guard who does her job so well! It prompted me to call the school just to find out who she is so I could nominate her!"

 Doris McKellick, Chesapeake Public Schools

Doris McKellick has served as a crossing guard in Chesapeake for over 30 years, taking the utmost care in her job every day, rain or shine. With a smile on her face, she commands the attention of drivers while ensuring students cross safely. Each day she coordinates with the School Safety Officer to ensure that arrival and dismissal for walkers, bikers, and buses happens in a safe and efficient manner. After leaving Thurgood Marshall Elementary, she reports to another school in the district for a second crossing guard shift.

Doris' dedication is evident to all who know her. As one parent remarked, "I remember seeing Mrs. Doris when my son was still in primary school - she is well past retirement age and is still working! She is so dedicated and sweet."

Bruce and Kathleen Morrison, Chesterfield County Public Schools

Bruce and Kathleen Morrison are a unique couple in Chesterfield County, and in addition to being wonderful crossing guards, they are key assets to the community. They know all walkers and their parents by name and often take the time to help students coordinate with their parents if there is an issue. Bruce and Kathleen never miss a day, and if they are out sick, the community actively reaches out to know what is happening and if any assistance is needed.

As "true examples of community policing," Bruce and Kathleen demonstrate continual awareness and sensitivity. They have reported vandalism, suspicious cars, damaged signs, and speeding cars, and often pick up trash and tree branches. To make crossing safer, they even take initiative to put out extra cones and equipment. Outside of their crossing guard duties, Bruce and Kathleen frequently check on elderly neighbors in case assistance is needed and help find lost pets.

Anne Rodriguez, Fairfax County Public Schools

Anne Rodriguez, who has been a crossing guard for the past five years, is a special part of the community. While helping all students cross safely, she also is attentive to carpoolers and makes potentially negative and chaotic situations easy.

Every walker and bike rider is greeted with a smile, and she often gives kids high fives. She knows students' names, as well as the names of their siblings and parents. Students adore her, and she has the ability to make tired, grumpy kids happy again. One "would be hard-pressed to find someone who loves their job more than Ms. Anne. She high-fives or stoops to hug little ones, acknowledging every single person--and sometimes dances a bit when on the job. She has a warm smile she uses often, and she makes the start of the day pleasant in every way."

Ruth Grayson Hill, Clark Elementary School (Charlottesville)
Ruth Grayson Hill, school crossing guard at Clark Elementary School, exemplifies a unique combination of safe behavior and kindness. She knows how to start students’ days off with a smile while keeping their safety her number one priority. Her focus never leaves the children in her crossing area. Recently, Ruth rescued a small child who wandered into the street while the child’s parent was chatting with another parent. Parents note Ruth’s enthusiasm and dedication: "Ruth is my first wave in the morning and last wave in the afternoon...I am sure I am not the only one to say she consistently brightens up by mornings and afternoons!"  "Ms. Ruth always smiles and waves (if you're following the speed limit!) and says kind things. Everyone in the neighborhood approaches her and talks to her and she keeps the kids and their families safe. She is amazing.”

Virginia Haden, Ruby F. Carver Elementary School (Henrico)
Virginia Haden has the distinction of being the longest serving school crossing guard in Henrico County. For over 43 year, Virginia has assisted students walking to school, rain or shine. Above and beyond her crossing guard duties, Virginia provides instructions to students on safe walking and biking and has participated in the Officer Ollie Safety Program, a national program to teach safety to students. Her warm smile and encouraging words create a positive start to her students’ days. In addition to winning this year’s Outstanding Crossing Guard Award, Virginia was recognized by the Henrico County School Board for her dedication to the students, and her longevity, in 2014. 

Denise Duesing, Chamberlayne Elementary School (Henrico)
Crossing Guard Denise Duesing has been serving students through rain, sleet, and snow for the past 36 years.  Currently at Chamberlayne Elementary School, she serves as a superb ambassador for the greater law enforcement community by providing a friendly and positive impression of uniformed officers for our children. Denise strives to educate students on safe walking and bicycling behavior through the Office Ollie Safety Program, in addition to performing her duties as a school crossing guard. Additionally, she has also participated in the Officer Ollie Safety Program, a national program that teaches various safety topics to students.  Denise’s commitment to community service extends beyond her job.  She volunteers at the local hospital and participates in the annual Cops Who Care shopping program for families who need assistance during the Christmas holidays. Getting to school is an enjoyable and safe experience for the Chamberlayne students thanks to the efforts of Denise Duesing.

Cheryl Belloli – Centreville and Union Mill Elementary Schools, Liberty Middle School (Centreville)
For nine years, Cheryl Belloli has been faithfully serving the Centreville community through rain, sleet, freezing temperatures, and snow as she helps students safely cross busy intersections on their way to school. She keeps our students safe, traffic moving, and is known for greeting everyone by name with a warm smile! Cheryl is not afraid to be assertive when needed, because student safety always comes first. At the same time, she is compassionate and fully engaged with the children and families in a way that is personal and reflective of her genuine interest in their lives. Cheryl serves as a superb ambassador for the greater law enforcement community by providing a friendly and positive impression of uniformed officers for our children. When asked why Cheryl should win the 2015 Crossing Guard of the Year Award, students replied, “We love how she always takes time to talk to me. We love how she always passes out candy canes at Christmas, and she is so much fun!”

Edie Adcock – Wolftrap Elementary School (Vienna)
Edie Adcock has been a crossing guard at Wolftrap Elementary School for 29 years. That equates to over four generations of completely new students who have been guided safely across Beulah Road by Ms. Edie, as she is affectionately known. She is a fixture in the mornings and afternoons, and a friend not just to the students but also the parents, caregivers and others who walk their children to school. She even recognizes parents she crossed 20 years ago. Since 2009, when Wolftrap started its SRTS activities, Ms. Edie has supported us by being a key part of monthly bike trains, weekly Walking Wednesdays and annual Bike/Walk Challenges. During “Snowmageddon” she provided boots-on-the-ground input to move the Kiss-N-Ride, which improved safety by an order of magnitude. She also worked with the bus drivers when this past fall's traffic situation was compounded by new instructions from FCPD. Her biggest joy is when the monthly bike train rolls by; and how she stops all traffic for every rider on it, be it a trio of riders or a massive group of over 50. Wolftrap is a better and safer place as a result of Ms. Edie’s daily presence.