Lake Zurich community honors retiring crossing guard

The Seth Paine Elementary School community came together to recognize the faithful service of their beloved crossing guard Curley Strack.

He served as crossing guard for 19 years, and recently worked at the Miller and Crescent roads crossing in Lake Zurich. Strack waves to passersby and safely gets children across the street.

At the end of the school year, a group of parents, staff and teachers held a retirement ceremony, complete with signs, cards and gifts.

"Mr. Curley received the effort with great appreciation. He spoke of gratitude toward the students, how he thought they are all great kids, and how he was happy to have been helping them for 19 years," parent Erin O'Leary said.

"He was all smiles when the music teacher, Ms. Schmidt, led the group in a happy retirement song."

O'Leary organized the parents of current and past walkers to come to the send-off. She says Strack enjoys getting to know the children and talking to parents about current events. He is a Knights of Columbus member and local resident. A large sign was presented to Strack and drivers honked as they passed by.

"It was important for us to honor Mr. Curley's 19 years of crossing because he enjoyed getting to know his walkers and their families. We will miss his smile and wave he gave to every car passing through his crosswalk at Miller and Crescent roads," O'Leary said.