For 14 years, Mr. Frank Macuga has brought huge smiles to the faces of kids and parents in Northeast Ohio.
The 80-year-old is currently the crossing guard at Bluestone Elementary in Euclid, a position he’s proudly held for the last six years. Before his time as a crossing guard, Mr. Frank was a school teacher for 44 years.
Each morning and afternoon, cars, semi-trucks, and school buses drive by and wave, many of them honking to say hi to Mr. Frank as he stands on East 260th Street
But he doesn’t bring the cheer alone — he does it with the help of dozens of puppets, all donated to him by his fans.
There’s a Cavalier, a sloth, an elephant, and a lamb, just to name a few.
“To me, that’s worth getting up in the morning,” Mr. Frank said about the kids he encounters every morning and afternoon. “It makes your day.”
And turns out, he’s making everyone else’s day.
“His enthusiasm is infectious,” said one teacher. “It just spreads, it makes them smile! It’s a good way to start your day.”
That’s why Mr. Frank’s been nominated to be “America’s Favorite Crossing Guard” in an online contest, currently alternating between taking the lead and coming in 2nd place. He's the online Ohio nominee, with more than 4,000 votes at last check.
Voting runs until January 31. People can cast a ballot once a day. The winner receives a $500 grant for their school and several cool prizes.
