Sandra Bellew, known as “Ms. Sandy” to Missouri’s Independence School District students and staff, is retiring after nearly 55 years of service as a school crossing guard. Bellew’s last day on the job was May 26, 2023.
To celebrate her many years of dedicated service, a group of students surprised Bellew with homemade signs, flowers, and hugs on her last Friday on the job.
“It was a happy feeling, and they all had such smiles on their faces,” said Bellow. “The students kept telling me how much they would miss me. And of course, I had several crying, and it was healing in a way, knowing that they did care and they will miss me.”
Sandra Bellew, known as “Ms. Sandy” at Independence School DistrictPhoto byIndependence School District
Bellew started working as a crossing guard in September 1968, and over the years, she has helped generations of students, their children, and even their grandchildren cross safely to school.
Sandra Bellew, known as “Ms. Sandy” at Independence School DistrictPhoto byIndependence School District