For 27 years, Jerome Sutton had been a familiar face at the crosswalk in front of Sun Valley Middle School, guiding kids safely across the busy Wesley Chapel Road.

Rain or shine, he's there every day, taking his job seriously. Sutton loves his work so much he schedules his vacations only during school breaks, believing his presence is crucial for the children's safety.

His dedication was put to the test in 2019 when a fast-moving car threatened the safety of the children he was helping to cross.

Without a second thought, Sutton stepped in front of the car, a move that potentially saved lives. This act of bravery was witnessed by a parent who was amazed by Sutton's quick action and felt it was important that others know about his heroism.

The North Carolina Lottery decided to honor his bravery with a generous award of $10,000 in their School Heroes program.

Sutton, however, was modest about his actions, preferring not to draw attention to himself. He's known for his positive attitude and friendly smile, qualities that contributed to him being recognized as one of the best crossing guards in the country.

Despite this, his commitment did not go unnoticed.

The town of Indian Trail also celebrated him with his very own Day, acknowledging his impact on the community.

Sutton sees the students as his family and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe. His love for people and dedication to his role shines through his work every day.

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