Residents in the Taylorville community came together Wednesday morning to surprise longtime crossing guard Warren Propst on the final day of the school year for the Taylorville Community Unit School District #3.

The surprise event was organized by Rachel Elam, who said the idea came after building a friendship with Propst following an interview for the newspaper. Elam said she began thinking about how often Propst brightens people’s mornings with his signs and positive attitude and wanted to find a way for the community to give back to him.

Elam said the response from the community exceeded expectations, with drivers honking, waving and even one supporter driving by with an airhorn during the celebration. She described the event as “so much fun” and said people really embraced the opportunity to show appreciation for Propst.

Elam also thanked all those who stopped to support the surprise, saying it was refreshing to see so many people excited to give back to someone who spreads kindness every day. She added that Propst has helped cheer people up on difficult mornings and said it was rewarding to see the smile on his face as he realized how much the community appreciates him.