Najhaun Simpson, a Sanford Middle School 8th Grader, has taken on a unique role alongside School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain.
Every morning from 7:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m., Najhaun assists Officer Jourdain in the drop-off line in front of the school. Najhaun helps direct incoming traffic and allows students to cross the street on their way to the school safely.
On one chilly Friday morning, Najhaun is waving for cars to come through and directing them to stop when students are crossing, all while providing infectious energy. As students walk into the school, Najhaun gives them his smile. More often than not, he'll give a student a fist bump as they walk in. His enthusiasm gives the students the extra jolt of positivity they need to continue their day. Officer Jourdain says Najhaun has that same personality all day long.
"I have parents tell me that he makes their day, and love seeing him in the morning," Officer Jourdain said. "He brings a smile to everyone's face because that is just who he is."
Before helping Officer Jourdain in the mornings, Sanford Middle School teacher Amy Greene Lamb said she had observed Najhaun greeting staff and students each morning in her wing of the building. She noticed how students' demeanors would instantly change when he said hello and waved and smiled.
"Faces just light up! I've seen the same thing happen in the drop-off line!" she said.