MassDOT announces Safe Routes to School award winners

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation held its 20th annual Safe Routes to School Program awards ceremony on June 2, recognizing partner schools, community members, stakeholders, and crossing guards who have made significant contributions to student safety in their communities.

MassDOT honored 218 schools across Massachusetts that completed qualifying Safe Routes to Schools activities and events, and more than 450 crossing guards in 43 communities were nominated for awards.

The awards are open to all school and alliance partners.

The following were recognized:

Exemplary Programs by Region
Greenfield Middle School, Greenfield (Western Winner), Margaret Neary Elementary School, Southborough (Central Winner), Warren Community Elementary School, Warren (Central Honorable Mention), Chelsea High School, Chelsea (Northeast Winner), Gilmore Elementary School, Brockton (Southeast Winner)

Community Collaboration
Melrose Pedestrian and Bicyclist Committee; Worcester Safe Routes to School Task Force (Honorable Mention)

Crossing Guard of the Year
Gina Hayes, Malden (Winner); Bridget and Gerry Buckley, Boston (Honorable Mention); Jill Boyd, Braintree (Crossing Guard Champion); Soleil Hanger, Pittsfield (Crossing Guard Champion); Lie-Mei Ho, Newton (Crossing Guard Champion)

Nikki Tishler Memorial Award
Jennifer Hessel-Smith, Nathaniel Morton Elementary School, Plymouth