BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, through its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, announced Soleil Hanger of Conte Community School in Pittsfield as one of the winners of the 2025 Safe Routes to School Crossing Guard Awards. 

 

 

This annual contest, which began in 2021, recognizes and highlights the important role crossing guards play in helping students and families safely travel to schools.

 

"Crossing guards are essential to the safety of students walking to and from school," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Their dedication, vigilance, and kindness give families peace of mind and make them trusted pillars in our communities. Through the Safe Routes to School Crossing Guard Awards, we're proud to honor their vital contributions."

 

This year's crossing guard appreciation campaign began with nominations submitted from partnering school communities and included a dedicated Crossing Guard Appreciation Day which was held this past March. More than 450 nominations were submitted for 120 crossing guards who work in 43 communities.

 

Representatives from SRTS partner schools, including school faculty and staff, parents, and community members, completed an online nomination form, sharing stories of how their crossing guards go above and beyond to keep students safe and what makes them stand out. Nominations were evaluated by the Safe Routes to School team and MassDOT based on stories of safety and dedication to their job.

 

 

The Massachusetts SRTS Program, sponsored by MassDOT and with funds from the Federal Highway Administration, promotes safer routes for students to walk, bike, and roll to and from school by fostering partnerships between community-led organizations, local law enforcement, education leaders, and public health departments.

 

The program currently serves more than 1,200 schools in more than 280 communities across the Commonwealth. Through these partnerships, the Massachusetts SRTS Program highlights the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety. SRTS also provides information, materials, and resources to support schools and communities with their local SRTS initiatives.