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ST. GEORGE — Eralee Fowkes has turned a job known for pounding the pavement into a platform for pleasantries.
"Being positive makes things better," she said.
That opportunity was enough to lure Fowkes away from employment in the medical field and turn in her scrubs for a stop sign. And now, as a school crossing guard, she knows there's a certain amount of risk that comes along with the territory.
"Some people just like to pretend they're the only ones on the road, and I've had a few incidents when I thought for sure I was going to get run over," Fowkes said. "But that's OK. They paid attention to that and are mindful for next time."
She donned the orange and yellow crossing guard vest two years ago, and started halting traffic in an older section of St. George. Fowkes quickly decided the task was a bit mundane — sitting and waiting until school got out or someone needed to cross the street. That's when she decided to take action.
She began waving to every passer-by — whether they were in a vehicle, on a bike or on foot. Before long, people began looking for the worker who exudes enthusiasm.
And the action is getting people to slow down for safety — and for the chance to wave to Fowkes.
I'll have cars that I'll see, and the next thing I know, they'll be coming around the block again in just a couple minutes.
–Eralee Fowkes
"It's always nice to wave at her, my son likes to wave at her," driver Shannyn Pedigo said.
At times the approach has made a big difference.
In 2014, a man stopped to tell Fowkes his wife was on her death bed and was expected to die later that day. "We drive by here a lot, my wife and I, and she might die today," the man told Fowkes. "But I had to come by and tell you that your energy and waving gave me the energy to cope with this at the end."
Now stationed near Sunset Elementary on a busy street, Valley View Drive, the chipper crossing guard is once again taking her happiness to the streets. Her fans will sometimes circle the block to wave to her more than once.
"I'll have cars that I'll see, and the next thing I know, they'll be coming around the block again in just a couple minutes."
Perhaps the approach translates into a stronger sense of safety, too — and that is something to smile about.
"I just love making people happy!" she exclaimed.
Watch the video above to see Fowkes in action.
