Alexandria Crossing Guard Honored For Nearly 50 Years Of Service

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A crossing guard in Alexandria was recognized for her nearly 50 years of service helping children cross the street safely.

Cora Reed, a crossing guard at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, was named one of Virginia's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards for the Virginia Safe Routes to Schools program.

Families thanked Reed on the morning of Wednesday on the way to school. After Reed finished her crossing guard duties, representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation program presented her with the Virginia's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards award.

Reed was nominated by Lyles-Crouch families and was selected from over 170 nominations around Virginia. According to a news release from the school district, families said Reed plays a key role in the school community, has a positive attitude, and teachers safe pedestrian behaviors such as using the crosswalk. The Virginia Safe Routes to Schools program is providing Reed with a letter, certificate and gift to recognize her service.

Wednesday marks Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Last week, an incident of a Maryland crossing guard pushing a student away from an oncoming car reiterated the importance of crossing guard duties.

There are 18 crossing guards employed by the Alexandria Police Department who work at school locations across the city, and two more crossing guards are being hired. ACPS provided care packages to all crossing guards Wednesday in recognition of their work.