She's The Woman You Want Watching Out For Your Kids On The Road

RIVERVIEW, FL — Ellen Cipriani, a school crossing guard at Riverview Elementary School, was named Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded Cipriani the honor in ceremonies in February.

Cipriani has been a crossing guard in Hillsborough County since September 2011. Her nomination was one of more than 100 from across the state.

In total, Hillsborough County had five nominees for the award. The other four were: Janet Anderson, Grady Elementary; Xavier Davis, Mintz Elementary; Norman Jones, Seffner Elementary; Donald Spohr, Northwest Elementary.

Attributes for selection of Florida's School Crossing Guard of the Year include professionalism, positive attitude, reliability and effective communication with children about crossing procedures and traffic safety.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and St. Petersburg Police Department were honored as Florida School Crossing Guard Programs of the Year.

“Crossing guards help ensure the safety of Florida’s students as they travel to the classroom and leave their campuses each and every day,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault. “I am proud to recognize crossing guards and crossing guard programs for their positive impact on our schools and communities.”

Florida is a national leader in developing crossing guard uniform training guidelines and curriculum. FDOT provides a train-the-trainer program to educate trainers on the safe and effective techniques and crossing procedures used by crossing guards. Additionally, FDOT is partnering with law enforcement agencies and providing safety standards and uniform training throughout the state to maintain the effectiveness of the program.

Every year, FDOT reviews nominations from across the state which are submitted by schools, agencies, parents and the public to honor crossing guards who exemplify professionalism with high standards for the safety of children and crossing guard programs.