Monday Inspiration: The Best School Crossing Guard in the Business

Meet Penni Robertson, also known as America's Favorite Crossing Guard.

1 minute read

March 6, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Pedestrians

Jean Faucett / Shutterstock

Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit group in Washington, D.C., recently awarded the title of America's Favorite Crossing Guard to Penni Robertson at a ceremony at Carpenter Elementary School in Orion Township, Michigan.

"Day after day in all kinds of weather, she stands outside an elementary school in Orion Township, a 'STOP' sign and kind words always at the ready," writes Bill Laitner in celebration of Robertson's recognition.

Robertson earned the recognition by remembering the name of all 467 students at Carpenter Elementary School and by extending her reach beyond the crosswalk. Robertson was one of 28 nominations from 19 states for the award, which comes with a supplementing safety campaign, including free pedestrian safety flyers. Also, "Robertson will be given a special reflective and rain-resistant winter coat and matching boots that she can showcase," adds Laitner.

Most of all, Robertson is a smiling, friendly reminder, that many people value safety over speed.

Monday, February 27, 2017 in Detroit Free Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Looking out at trees on 4th Street in downtown Los Angeles, California.

LA’s Tree Emergency Goes Beyond Vandalism

After a vandal destroyed dozens of downtown LA trees, Mayor Karen Bass vowed to replace them. Days later, she slashed the city’s tree budget.

5 hours ago - Torched

White and blue Sacramento regional transit bus with one bike on front bike rack.

Sacramento Leads Nation With Bus-Mounted Bike Lane Enforcement Cameras

The city is the first to use its bus-mounted traffic enforcement system to cite drivers who park or drive in bike lanes.

6 hours ago - Streetsblog California

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Seattle Voters Approve Social Housing Referendum

Voters approved a corporate tax to fund the city’s housing authority despite an opposition campaign funded by Amazon and Microsoft.

April 23 - Next City