WAYTOGO Jack
Jack Arsenault is king of (crossing) the road.
The 62-year-old Arsenault has been crowned Canada’s Favorite Crossing Guard in the 10th annual contest put on by Federal Express Canada Ltd.
Students stood and erupted with loving approval when Arsenault walked into the Parkdale elementary school gymnasium Monday to accept the award.
“I think Jack is a great crossing guard,’’ said Emma Johnston, a Grade 6 student at Parkdale.
“He’s friendly. He smiles a lot at everybody.’’
Principal Michelle LeClair says Arsenault clicks with the children because the youngsters recognize and appreciate his sincerity.
“He’s very caring,’’ said LeClair. “He’s got a quiet, easy-going nature that they respond well to. He’s got a great sense of humour.’’
LeClair says Arsenault is always looking out for the interests of children whether he is at curbside or not. He has, for instance, got autograph memorabilia from the P.E.I. Rocket hockey team to give to special needs students at the school.
“Just the way he has about him of looking out for kids,’’ she said.
“We’ve had some kids with behaviour challenges. He can cajole them into doing something they may not want to do (but should do)...because they see he is a genuine guy and they see that he is sincere.’’
Arsenault stumbled into his sideline.
When he began work at Parkdale as a custodian 33 years ago, he was asked to fill in for one day as a crossing guard.
“I said I would and I’ve been there ever since,’’ he said.
Arsenault welcomed adding the role of safely guiding children across the street to being a full-time custodian.
“I really enjoy the kids,’’ he said.
“They’ve been nice to me and I’ve been nice to them. We have a lot of fun.’’
Make that safe fun.
He has safely crossed children heading to and from school without incident for 33 years. Once — just once — he had to haul a child back to the sidewalk to avoid a potential collision. Arsenault was nearly struck by a car on another occasion.
But under his watch, children get across the street safe and sound every single time.
“The biggest thing is I always tell my children ‘stay on the side of the road. Do not move until I give you the okay,’’’ he said.
“The kids are really good here. They follow orders really good. They come to the cross walk and they do not move until I give them the okay.’’
Canada’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest is an annual contest that encourages schools, students, teachers and parents from across Canada to nominate exceptional crossing guards in their community. It is part of the Walk This Way pedestrian safety program launched by FedEx Express Canada and Safe Kids Canada.
Arsenault was thrilled to get the nod along with two other crossing guards in Canada.
“I was just shocked,’’ he said of the award, which earned his school a $1,000 cheque to put towards the purchase of a computer and created the opportunity for Parkdale students to show just how much they appreciate their crossing guard.
“I never, ever realized this was going to happen. It really felt good — really good.”
