Deals & Steals on Lara's fabulous finds!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Living

87-year-old crossing guard retiring after 55 years gets sweet send-off

VIDEO: 87-year-old crossing guard retires after 55 years of service
0:43
87-year-old crossing guard retires after 55 years of service
ABCNews.com
ByYi-Jin Yu
May 25, 2023, 4:01 am

After nearly 55 years, Sandra Bellew is hanging up her crossing guard vest and retiring from Missouri's Independence School District.

The 87-year-old's last day as a school crossing guard will be May 26, but last Friday, a group of students gathered to surprise her with homemade signs, flowers and hugs.

PHOTO: Sandra Bellew is known as "Ms. Sandy" to students and staff at Independence School District in Missouri.
Sandra Bellew is known as "Ms. Sandy" to students and staff at Independence School District in Missouri.
Independence School District
PHOTO: Students greet crossing guard Sandra Bellew with hugs, handwritten signs and flowers on May 19, 2023, ahead of her retirement.
Students greet crossing guard Sandra Bellew with hugs, handwritten signs and flowers on May 19, 2023, ahead of her retirement.
Independence School District

"It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces," Bellew told "Good Morning America." "[The students] kept telling me how much they're going to miss me. And of course, I had several crying and it was just really healing in a way, knowing that they did care and they will miss me."

Editor’s Picks

Kindergartner dresses as school security officer for 'Dress As Your Favorite Person Day'

  • Mar 05, 2020

School crossing guard who loves the Washington Nationals surprised with World Series tickets by students

  • Oct 25, 2019

80-year-old crossing guard 'speechless' as children surprise him on birthday

  • Oct 10, 2019

Bellew first started as a crossing guard back in September 1968, and through the decades, she has helped students, their children and even their grandchildren.

Bellew said she'll miss meeting new people the most as well as "seeing the kids and getting hugs from them."

MORE: Former students reunite to give retiring chorus teacher musical send-off

PHOTO: Bellew has been a crossing guard for nearly 55 years.
Bellew has been a crossing guard for nearly 55 years.
Independence School District
PHOTO: Bellew said as a crossing guard, she has enjoyed meeting new students and getting hugs from them.
Bellew said as a crossing guard, she has enjoyed meeting new students and getting hugs from them.
Independence School District

"It's not big money but it was fun doing it so I enjoyed it," the mom of seven said.

MORE: Community praises crossing guard who saved young girl from speeding car

As for her next chapter, Bellew hopes to stay active.

"I'm planning on just going swimming and doing water aerobics and exercise and try to keep myself strong and keep my legs strong so I can stay going," she said.

Editor's note: This was originally published on May 25, 2023.

Editor’s Picks

Kindergartner dresses as school security officer for 'Dress As Your Favorite Person Day'

  • Mar 05, 2020

School crossing guard who loves the Washington Nationals surprised with World Series tickets by students

  • Oct 25, 2019

80-year-old crossing guard 'speechless' as children surprise him on birthday

  • Oct 10, 2019
Up Next in Living—

What happened at Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT game

September 25, 2023

Reunite with your cash: How to find out if you have unclaimed money

September 25, 2023

Nearly 50,000 mattresses sold at Costco recalled

September 22, 2023

Broadway actor gets last-minute 'magic carpet ride' to 'Aladdin' show

September 20, 2023

Up Next in Living—

What happened at Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT game

September 25, 2023

Reunite with your cash: How to find out if you have unclaimed money

September 25, 2023

Nearly 50,000 mattresses sold at Costco recalled

September 22, 2023

Broadway actor gets last-minute 'magic carpet ride' to 'Aladdin' show

September 20, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News