James “Jimbo” Schroeder, a crossing guard at the corner of Forest and Hillside avenues for nearly 20 years, was honored as an “Unsung Superhero” at last week’s New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) workshop.
“Be it rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or blistering heat, he is there,” Verona Board of Education member Lisa Freschi wrote in her nomination of Schroeder. “With his STOP sign. And a smile! Jimbo knows each child and their parents by name and greets them as such when they cross his corner. He makes an efforts to learn about and care about his ‘kids’. This is evident, as after drop off, many parents stop to chat with him at his post. On the rare occasion that he is not there, the walk to school simply isn’t the same. Crossing guards are an important part of our neighborhood and having someone as dedicated Mr. Schroeder is a blessing.”
This was NJSBA’s first year honoring crossing guards as unsung heroes, and it received more than 200 submissions for the category. Schroeder was able to attend the ceremony in Atlantic City in person, along with (l-r, above) Superintendent Diane DiGuiseppe, Freschi, and BOE President Pam Priscoe.
How wonderful. God bless you for guiding our children in t right direction! Your countless years crossing the children and always being at your spot brought countless smiles to t kids. Knowing their safety was in your hands and your smiles sure made their day. Continued good luck and congrats on a superior job. Nice to read good news !! Maria matullo