We’re getting back into the rhythm of school and loving the cool fall weather, and one of our participants is ensuring that children arrive to and from school safely.

Meet Marquise, who is helping families and children safely cross the busy streets of Philly with great enthusiasm and awareness. Marquise works as a Crossing Guard at a local school. The school year is only a month in, but Marquise’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed: whenever he’s on the job he’s given much gratitude and many thumbs up for his dedication towards helping keep people safe.

A few weeks ago, a man approached Marquise with a big smile, and began to tell him how grateful he was to see a crossing guard back at that corner. As it turns out, the man’s mother had been employed as the Crossing Guard at that very corner for nearly 40 years! Before Marquise was assigned to this location, the corner went without a crossing guard for several years after the man’s mother retired, so he was particularly happy to see Marquise stationed where his mother once stood.

We are proud of Marquise and moved to see this special connection. A huge shoutout to one of our Managers of Employment Training—CJ Rogers—for sending along this picture and sharing this story with us.

Fantastic job, Marquise!