Dec 23, 2024 By Karen Mansfield 2 min read

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Santa Claus and plenty of helpers, including Muse Elementary School crossing guard Quinton Dantry, in yellow, greet a busful of students on the last day of school before Christmas break starts.

Every day, beloved crossing guard Quinton “Q” Dantry helps kids get to school safely.

But for the past four years, Dantry, a crossing guard at Muse Elementary School in the Canon-McMillan School District, has taken on a special duty on the last day of classes before Christmas break.

That morning, at the intersection, he’s accompanied by a special guest: Santa Claus.

“It started with my daughter who dressed as Santa Claus the first year,” said Dantry, “and it’s gotten bigger every year.”

Indeed, the holiday greeting has grown to include members of the Muse Volunteer Fire Department, Cecil Township Police Department, other local first responders, school administrators, and community members, who dress up as Mrs. Claus, elves, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and merrily wave, shout “Merry Christmas!” and pass out candy canes to students.

The students – in buses and in cars – waved back and cheered on Santa (Jacque King, assistant manager of Cecil Township, who has played Santa Claus in the past, donned the red suit for the first time at the Muse celebration) as they passed the Christmas greeters. Motorists honked horns as they drove by.

“It’s been great. It makes you feel good seeing everyone so happy,” said Dantry, a retired mailman and a member of the Muse Volunteer Fire Department.

Family members – daughters Kristen Yagulli (the original Santa Claus) and Megan Fleer, and granddaughter Isabella Yagulli, a student at Muse Elementary – were among those who accompanied Dantry, and the lights on fire trucks parked near the intersection flashed as large flakes of snow fell Friday morning.

Muse Elementary School Principal Tula Dziak commended Dantry’s efforts, noting the joy he brought to the crossing guard role was inspiring. Parents, too, enjoy the greeting, she said.

“I think everyone enjoys it – the adults and the kids – and the community has embraced it. The fact that Mr. Dantry brings together so many people, the fire department, the police department, there were local businesses, it’s a great kickoff to Christmas break,” said Dziak.