Slowing Down Traffic With A Smile

The Proctor District in Tacoma is well-known for its small-town feel, quaint shops, old-fashioned theatre, and its flamboyant crossing guard on North 26^th Street near Washington Hoyt Elementary School. 

Dressed in neon fanfare, Peggy Tonnema has presided as the unofficial school mascot for the last seven years.  Her smile and bright, crazy outfits have made her into a neighborhood icon.

Tonnema began working as a crossing guard when her son was a student at the school.  At first, she was afraid to step out into traffic.  “It’s kind of scary out there.  The cars go by really fast.  It was intimidating even to just stick a foot out into traffic.”  So she started wearing something bright so the speeding cars could see her more easily.  “If I have a bright outfit on, they smile and notice me.”

Soon the students, parents, and even passers-by were bringing her new outfits and accessories.  “I’ve had two people give me clown suits.  Once, a man driving by gave me a whole sack of hats!  Everybody finds something to give to Miss Peggy.”

In Tonnema’s opinion, her exciting costumes help to slow the traffic better than the neon school zone signs a block away from her on each corner.  “It’s the parents zipping by trying to get their child to school on time.  The mentality is ‘hurry up in the morning to get to work!’  If I pop out there, they really slow down.  The outfits really help out.”

Though her son is now in high school, Tonnema still works as a crossing guard for Washington Hoyt and volunteers in the classroom.  “There’s not a child in the school who doesn’t know Miss Peggy.” 

The appreciation she receives for her involvement is what keeps her at the school.  She’s helped organize the annual Walk Your Child to School Day and frequently writes articles and even poems about the benefits of walking for the school newspaper.

“My main goal is to keep these children safe, and I try to help everyone start their day off right.  A big smile and a wave mean a lot to people who are so rushed in the morning.  Everyone always says I have way too much fun at my job.”

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