Standing Ovation Greets Calita Wilcox at Newberry Commission Meeting

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission opened its Feb. 23, 2026, meeting with a standing ovation for Calita Wilcox, who was honored with a proclamation recognizing her years of service and her selection as Crossing Guard of the Year.

Mayor Tim Marden presented the proclamation, outlining Wilcox’s decades of dedication to public service and the community. Though a native of Archer, Marden noted that Wilcox was raised in Newberry and graduated as a member of the Class of 1982.

According to the proclamation, Wilcox has devoted more than 30 years of service to the state of Florida, including 18 years working in corrections. City leaders described her career as reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service, responsibility and care for others.

Marden said she continues that spirit of service through her faith and volunteerism, serving on the usher board at Bethel Church in Lake City, volunteering weekly at food distributions in Archer and personally delivering food to neighbors who are unable to attend in person.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Wilcox serves as a poll worker during elections, further demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and community trust.

City officials also highlighted her role as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who leads by example through kindness, generosity and compassion.

As a crossing guard for the City of Newberry, Wilcox has extended her impact beyond traffic safety. Marden said she ensures not only the safety of children but also brings joy to their school days — whether through holiday gifts, handing out cold popsicles on warm afternoons or creating memorable moments such as leading students across the crosswalk wearing reindeer antlers during the holidays.

The proclamation noted that many of her acts of kindness go largely unnoticed because she does not seek recognition, choosing instead to serve humbly and wholeheartedly.

Marden stated that Wilcox was rightfully selected as Crossing Guard of the Year, calling the honor a reflection of her dedication, compassion and the profound impact she has on children and families in Newberry.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe said he has observed that Wilcox knows every child’s name and the time individual children usually cross the street on their way to school each morning.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott attended the meeting to recognize Wilcox as well. He cited several examples of her kindness and service and said he was pleased to be present to honor her dedication to the community.

Wilcox, visibly surprised by the recognition, thanked the City of Newberry for the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the honor.

Through her work at the crosswalk and her volunteer efforts beyond it, city leaders said Wilcox exemplifies the kind of quiet, consistent commitment that makes a lasting difference in Newberry.

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