Press Release  MassDOT Announces Sixth Annual Safe Routes to School Program’s Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), today announced the launch of the sixth annual Safe Routes to School Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign, recognizing the essential role crossing guards play in keeping students and families safe across Massachusetts. 

The campaign begins with a Crossing Guard of the Year nomination period, followed by Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on March 25, and will culminate with the announcement of the 2026 Crossing Guard of the Year award winners. Award recipients will be recognized at the Annual Safe Routes to School Awards Ceremony in June. 

"All crossing guards play a vital role in keeping students and families safe across the Commonwealth, and while this contest provides an opportunity for the public to recognize those who serve their own communities with dedication every day, know that all are invaluable and we thank them for their service ," said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, safety remains everyone’s top priority, and we encourage the public to nominate the crossing guards who continue to make a difference in the lives of students and families. Thank you to everyone who helps keep our children safe on their way to and from school."

Last year, the Safe Routes to School (STRS) program received an overwhelming number of nominations, resulting in multiple honorees at the 2025 annual awards ceremony. Jill Boyd (Braintree) Soleil Hanger (Pittsfield) and Lie-Mei Ho (Newton) received the Crossing Guard Champion Award. Bridget and Gerry Buckley (Boston) received the Honorable Mention Award, and Gina Hayes (Malden) was named Crossing Guard of the Year. 

The nomination period opened on Sunday, March 1, closes at 5:00 p.m. on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Wednesday, March 25. On that day, schools and students are encouraged to recognize the crossing guards in their community in ways that are meaningful to them. 

The nomination form, a printable thank-you cards, and promotional flyers are available on the SRTS website in the Engagement section. Schools must be SRTS partners in order for their Crossing Guards to be eligible. Previous award recipients are not eligible. The number of nominations received does not impact a crossing guard’s chances of selection, and communities are encouraged to collaborate on thoughtful submissions. 

About Safe Routes to School

The Massachusetts SRTS Program, sponsored by MassDOT with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, promotes safe, active transportation for students by fostering partnerships among community organizations, local law enforcement, education leaders, and public health departments. 

The program currently serves more than 1,300 schools in over 285 communities Statewide and provides resources, materials, and technical support to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for students. 

For more information on Massachusetts Safe Routes to School visit:www.mass.gov/safe-routes-to-school. 

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