Sharing the Incredible Career of a CPS Crossing Guard

When Ms. Eugenia Phillips started working as a CPS crossing guard, recent historical events included the first moon landing and the lowering of the voting age in the U.S. to 18. Now, nearly 50 years later, she has touched the lives of countless CPS students and their families. As a crossing guard, she has played an integral role in helping ensure that students are safe as they travel to and from school. 

With so many years of experience behind her, Ms. Phillips knows exactly how to support the communities she serves by being a positive presence each school day. We caught up with her to hear some of her reflections on having this important role for so long. Learn more about her below.

How did you become a crossing guard? 

My brother was in the police force, and he was the person who first asked me about becoming a crossing guard. I had always been around kids, such as helping raise my sister’s kids. Since it was a part-time job, I felt like it was a good way to balance all of the different parts of life. I got to work with lots of kids around the neighborhood, while also raising kids of my own. 

Has your approach to the job changed at all over the years? 

The job itself has stayed the same. However, we’ve been with different organizations since when I first started. We used to be part of the Chicago Police Department, and then we were managed by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and now we’re part of CPS. While that has changed, how to be a successful crossing guard hasn’t changed too much. 

What are some of your goals for the rest of the school year? 

I want to keep hanging in there before I start to think about retirement. I don’t have any issues with the job at all. Because I’ve been doing it for so long, it has become a regular routine. 

What advice would you give to a new crossing guard?

You need to be cautious. I feel like cars have gotten a little crazier than they used to be. Your students may need a little bit more love, so provide that to them when you can while also putting safety first. It will be a good experience for you. 

Is there anything you want to share with the students you see every day? 

I encourage them to pay attention and keep respecting their crossing guards and the other adults in their community. This will be helpful for them with little things like crossing the street and also some of their bigger goals in life.