Maryann Wallace has been a crossing guard on the corner of 18th and Pollock streets for 23 years, but Friday marked her last day.
Many students left class to surprise her with a proper sendoff, saying goodbye, and thanking her for all she's done.
Since 1989 she's help cross countless numbers of children from St. Richard School and F. Amedee Bregy Elementary School on cold mornings.
With all the balloons, cards and hugs, Wallace says it's the memories of so many children she loves that she will cherish most.
"My niece was in my wedding, I crossed her children and children that my kids have gone to school with, so it's a lot of generations," she said.
Throughout the day, teachers, school principals, colleagues and parents filtered by to thank her for her many years of dedication.
"No one will replace her, she's fabulous, she really is," said a colleague.
It was an emotional morning for people at 18th and Pollock because Wallace won't be standing there anymore and she'll truly be missed.
Wallace says she'll miss her job but will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren.
