Elementary Students And Staff Honor 89-Year-Old Crossing Guard Retiring After 47 Years

An 89-year-old crossing guard is finally closing a chapter on her career. Dorothy "Miss Dottie" Kalkbrenner retired after 47 years at an elementary school in Abington, Pennsylvania. The staff and students of Highland Elementary School honored her for her service during her final week on the job. They threw a retirement party for Miss Dottie, where she received a Certificate of Commendation from Abington Township. She also got handmade thank-you cards from the students.

"I just appreciate it so much that Highland School did this [for] me," she shared. "It was just overwhelming … it's such a full auditorium with all the kids. It was amazing." Miss Dottie followed up by saying she enjoyed her job and is going to miss seeing "all the kids" each day.

"It's important to keep the children safe so they can get across the street and not be on their own," she continued. "It kind of makes you almost cry, because you know you won't get to see them again."

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As for what's next, Miss Dottie said she's looking forward to getting involved in her community. "It's time for me to retire and take part in where I live."