It is no surprise that crossing guards are always working hard in order to ensure safety among pedestrians. Surrounding Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School there are dedicated crossing guards to help people cross roads safely.

Ilona Lenart is one crossing guard that works here at SPF. Lenart works as a guard on Mon-Fri, every morning from 7:30-8:45 and every afternoon from 2:30-3:45 to make sure that students and other pedestrians are able to cross safely and efficiently.

”I have been a crossing guard since 2019,” Lenart said. “I started in Bound Brook and was waiting for a position to open here and I finally got it.”

Although the job of a crossing guard is sometimes underappreciated, it is important to keep in mind that crossing guards help communities run and they are key aspects to the safety of pedestrians.

”I love watching children making sure they don’t get hurt,” Lenart said. “I have to be extremely alert and I have to have eyes all the way around my head.”

Lenart chose the job in order to make sure that children don’t get hurt and that it keeps her busy. Outside of being a crossing guard, Lenart enjoys reading books, going on walks with her shepherd, spending time with her daughter and pleasure cycling. 

Before taking the role of a crossing guard, Lenart had a beauty salon business in Westfield for 44 years and she still takes care of some of her clients. Learnt likes the exercise that comes along with being a crossing guard.  

“I care about the kids and I’m good to people,” Lenart said. “My friends will tell you that I’m good to people which is why I’m doing this and I think I’m doing pretty good,” Lenart said.