‘People just want to be noticed’: Abilene crossing guard making each day a blessing
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — When you’re a child, the whole world can be intimidating and sometimes dangerous. But when Abilene Crossing Guard Brenda Stremmel is on the job, Dyess Elementary parents know they can rest easy. As a retired Kindergarten teacher of 25 years, Stremmel said there’s nothing she loves more than making the school day fun.
“It’s kinda natural. You want people to be happy; you want them to feel good… We’re the first people that the children see before they go to school. So hopefully, you’re putting a little positive happiness into their lives even before they get to school,” Stremmel told KTAB/KRBC.
She is employed by the city in the position. This is her second year as a crossing guard, but her first year working at Dyess Elementary. Stremmel added that it brightens her day to see those young smiling faces early in the morning and just as they head home.
“Whatever job you have. If it’s not fun, don’t do it… It gives me a sense of worth. I may be old, but I’m not completely dried up,” Stremmel joked.
Family-Friendly Fun: Summer activities in Abilene
She is known for dressing up in themed outfits to mark special occasions, frequently pairing those getups with music she plays on a Bluetooth speaker. When she spoke with KTAB/KRBC on Wednesday, she wore a lei and floral captain hat and had a Beach Boys playlist on loop, encouraging the kids and their parents to dance their way across the street.
Beyond the theme, she is also known to be an incredibly personable woman. She often puts up encouraging homemade signs. Stremmel shared that she feels a person can really make a positive impact by simply remembering someone’s name and doling out kind comments when able.
“Have a good day! Be sweet to your teachers! You’re gonna do great on that test today! You know those kinds of things… I think that most of the time, people just want to be noticed,” Stremmel said.
Abilene Public Library Summer Reading Challenge begins June 1st
And that positivity is paid right back to her by the parents. Two women presented Stremmel with a card on their way across the street as a ‘thank you’ for her service.
“This is just a little something from us,” the women told Stremmel.
“Oh, thank you, thank you! That is so sweet,” Stremmel responded.
While there are few like Stremmel, the City of Abilene is looking to fill crossing guard positions around town. Stremmel said the schedule and pay work well for her schedule in retirement, though she believes it would fit a college student’s schedule just as well. Crossing guard job opportunities will soon be open on the Abilene City website.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
