Arlington Woman Awarded 'Crossing Guard Champion' By MassDOT

ARLINGTON, MA – Linda Carella, a crossing guard at Hardy Elementary School in Arlington, was among the winners of the 2023 Safe Routes to School Crossing Guard of the Year awards.

Carella was one of three who were awarded Crossing Guard Champion by The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program.

Around 175 crossing guards were nominated for the awards from over 35 statewide communities. The contest, which began in 2021, seeks to recognize and highlight the important role that crossing guards play in helping students and families safely access schools throughout the Commonwealth.

“Crossing guards play an integral role in school communities throughout the Commonwealth by helping to support the safe travel of students and families to and from school,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca said in a news release. “We are pleased to recognize this year’s winners who were nominated by families and school and community members because of their special contributions within each community and for their exemplary level of service, proactive safety-focused actions they perform, and their enthusiasm and dedication in keeping the individuals they serve safe.”

The other awardees include:

• Crossing Guard of the Year: Debbie Lang - Warren-Prescott School in Boston.
• Honorable Mention: Dr. James Cummings - Superintendent of the Grafton Public Schools.
• Crossing Guard Champions:
  • Cheryl Anziano - Herbert V. Bowie Elementary School in Chicopee.
  • Claire MacPherson - Pierce School in Brookline.

The winners will be recognized at the Annual Safe Routes to School Awards Ceremony that is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023.