Chelsea Public Schools honors crossing guards; three recognized for long service

Chelsea Public Schools recognized its crossing guards in a ceremony, thanking them for daily service that district officials said keeps students safe and on time.

The district presented tenure and attendance acknowledgments and highlighted safety contributions. Adam Delaney, chief academic officer, said the district counts about 6,000 students, roughly 180 school days and two daily trips, and estimated “you all have contributed to a total of roughly 2,160,000 safe crossings in the school year.”

The gathering honored individual guards for years of service: Santos Hernandez for 10 years, Edgar Hadi for seven years, and Jim Olsen for 14 years, who announced he will retire at the end of the school year. Officials also thanked the department’s operations, communications and police staff for supporting crossings and the video of the event.

Speakers at the event emphasized the crossing guards’ visibility and community role. Malik Ocean said, “You guys are just so wonderful. You work so hard for the kids.” District staff and school committee members in attendance included Dr. Sarah Nivell, Sarah Veil and Clary Kovas Caballo, among others.

Organizers presented awards and attendance notes. The emcee and presenters praised long-tenured guards and invited them forward to receive recognition; the event video and communications were credited to Michael Sullivan, director of communications. The ceremony’s theme was stated as “Appreciate All.”

Officials also warned that ongoing road construction will continue to affect routes next year and encouraged guards and families to reach out over the summer with any changes to staffing or assignments.

The event was a recognition and appreciation ceremony; no formal policy actions, votes or budget decisions were recorded in the transcript.