Terence Gordon isn’t just any crossing guard to Glen Avon Elementary students. He’s Mr. Terry, their friend who wears silly sunglasses, keeps them safe, and volunteers to coach soccer.
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Mr. Terry arrives early every morning to set up orange safety cones and safety signs to be ready for morning drop-off. When students walk towards the crosswalk on the other side of the street, he meets them halfway with a fist bump and a smile. “I have always had a good rapport with kids. Just a little hello in the mornings…it makes their day and it makes my day.”
The Best of the Best award recipient decided to pick up a part-time job at Jurupa Unified after retirement. After a commercial printing career, he became a crossing guard because of his admiration for students. “I love kids and I think it’s very important, you know, for them to be safe. And I just felt like that was my calling.” Mr. Terry said.
When he isn’t out front keeping students and their parents safe, Mr. Terry volunteers his time to supervise students during lunch and coaches soccer. He started by only coaching fifth and sixth graders but eventually extended his coaching to 1st to 4th graders. “I have created a monster, but I love it.” Mr. Terry said.
Mr. Terry’s presence at Glen Avon has garnered the respect of students. During a class activity discussing future careers, “[a student] said when they grow up they wanted to be a crossing guard.” Mr. Terry said. The kindergartner, Persius Moufarrej, even made his stop sign and wore a neon yellow vest to school. “I loved it. It was fantastic, I was very appreciative.” Mr. Terry said about Persius’ admiration.
The hard work and dedication that Mr. Terry puts into keeping students and families safe doesn’t go unnoticed. “Most of them will come through and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Terry, for keeping us safe…' that’s like everything to me.”
