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 2025 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.
Get to Know the 2025 Recipients
Gwen Ford-Nino
North Region Winner
Gwen Ford-Nino is the mother of two and a proud grandmother who has been a Crossing Guard for more than 45 years. Gwen supports two schools, Nettelhorst Elementary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy Catholic. She has stood as a beacon of safety, dedication, and compassion in the Lakeview and Buena Park neighborhoods—rain or shine, in the blistering heat of summer or the snowy days of winter. Her steadfast presence has become a fixture in the community, greeting generations of families with a warm smile and a wave. Gwen’s work goes beyond guiding children across busy intersections—she embodies the spirit of selfless service and unwavering commitment. Her daily actions have fostered a sense of trust and reassurance that parents have come to rely upon. Through her dedicated work, Gwen has created a legacy of love, resilience, and unshakable devotion to the wellbeing of others.
Alice Mims
Central West Winner
Alice Mims is the proud mother of three children and a grandmother. She began her career as a Crossing Guard in June 2016. Alice started working as a guard at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, then transferred to Ogden Elementary School where she currently supports the intersection of Walton and Dearborn. In her own words, she loves supporting the children of Ogden. The safety of these children are her top priority. Seeing the children smile and say "Good Morning" makes every day very special to Alice.
Lorenzo Cervantes
Southwest Winner
Lorenzo Cervantes is a crossing guard in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Southwest Chicago. He supports 2 schools, Brighton Park Elementary and Sandra Cisneros Charter School. Lorenzo is a Brighton Park resident of 15 years and enjoys bowling with his family and friends, and dancing with his wife, Rosa, who is also a Crossing Guard in the same neighborhood. Lorenzo enjoys helping the community, children and school staff by staying vigilant for everyone’s well-being during arrival and dismissal. On the way to school, he provides quick Spanish lessons to students so they can learn common greetings and phrases.
Tammy Anderson
Far South Winner
Tammy Anderson is a mother of three and has been a crossing guard since 2016 for Beasley Elementary. This year, Tammy is celebrating her second consecutive win in the Crossing Guard Awards. Tammy loves people, and getting to know the scholars and parents at her school is a daily joy. Since she was a child, Tammy has always wanted to be a crossing guard. Her interest started in grammar school when her gym coach would give out the orange crossing belt to students who did well, including Tammy. In addition to her Crossing Guard Award, Tammy was also a recipient of the Change Maker Award for Network 8, presented on February 28, 2025.
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.
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.
To apply, search the job board for "crossing guard," choose a job opening and follow the application instructions.
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.
To apply, search the job board for "crossing guard," choose a job opening and follow the application instructions.
Contact Us
For questions or more information, reach out to us by email at crossingguard@cps.edu.