Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!
Today’s weather : Expect sunny conditions and a high temperature near 63 degrees, accompanied by a north wind ranging between 5 and 14 mph and gusts reaching up to 22 mph. As nighttime approaches, the sky will be clear, with the temperature dropping to a low of around 42 degrees, and a north wind of about 6 mph remaining persistent.
You need to know
Richard Thomas, who worked as a school crossing guard at John Adams Elementary School for nearly two decades, died earlier this month.
Thomas was recognized as one of three Most Outstanding Crossing Guards in Virginia in 2023, Patch reported. The award from the Virginia Department of Transportation recognized Thomas for his 19 years of work at the school:
With 19 years of unwavering dedication to John Adams Elementary School, Mr. Richard Thomas excels in ensuring student safety. Mr. Thomas manages a highly complex intersection with grace, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and families. In his remarkable tenure, Mr. Thomas is set apart by his efficient traffic management skills but especially his genuine warmth and friendliness. As students approach, he welcomes them with high-fives and contagious enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of joy and comfort as they begin their school day.
His commitment to making every child feel welcome is truly commendable. He arrives early twice a day, diligently setting up cones to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, and is always smiling even in adverse weather.
During a recent afternoon pick-up marred by heavy rain and strong winds, Mr. Thomas demonstrated resilience and professionalism in managing the situation. With hundreds more cars arriving than usual when aftercare programs were canceled, Mr. Thomas managed increased traffic efficiently, ensuring every child departed safely. Whether students arrive by car, bus, or foot, Mr. Thomas ensures everyone starts their day positively. His exemplary service, infectious positivity, and dedication to public service make him Virginia’s Most Outstanding Crossing Guard.