This week, the Northeast News spoke with one of the most important people in our community, Dewey W. Clark Jr., a School Crossing Guard who helps young students get across the street safely at St. John and Topping.  Clark has been helping students cross busy St. John Avenue for a little over three years. He loves his job and takes it very seriously.

“Once those kids leave the house, those are my kids,” said Clark on a warm, breezy Monday morning.

Clark has seen more than his share of distracted drivers who may or may not stop for his stop sign or the red traffic light.

“Sometimes I have to hold kids back,” Clark says. “Some of these drivers don’t have sense enough to stop; I want to make sure my kids are alright.”

Clark sends a shout out to the parents in Northeast who are raising their kids right.

“Every once in a while I get one that’s a little hankely, but I can get him straightened out in a hurry, but most of them are just as sweet as they can be.”

Next time you’re driving along St. John and see Clark at his post, he’s always good for a smile and a wave. Oh, and slow down for the kids too.