By Lesley Graham
On rainy days, when the wind is howling and the blankets are calling for us to stay inside, Joan Wilson puts on her jacket and starts her day. The same can be said of snow days and heat waves and everything in between.
Nothing could stop Wilson from assuming her post as a crossing guard for the primary and intermediate schools in Ocean City.
After 18 years of service, Wilson is set to retire on Friday.
She was honored Wednesday night at the Ocean City Board of Education meeting for her almost two decades of service to the families of Ocean City schools.
Kind words were spoken by Dr. Kathleen Taylor, superintendent of Ocean City schools, and Brian Hopely, a lieutenant on the city’s police force.
Dr. Taylor pointed out how Wilson always made sure the students crossed safely, and did so with such warmth and care.
“She is always friendly, with a smile for everyone, a kind word, a hearty laugh and when every student crosses her streets, they start and end their day with the best person,” Taylor said while honoring Wilson.
Hopely said that the schools have big shoes to fill with Wilson’s impending retirement. The longest tenured crossing guard in town, she began her service on Jan. 9, 2001.
“We are going to miss her tremendously,” Hopely said.
When asked what she was going to do with her new found free time, Wilson said with a chuckle, “Well, first thing, I’m going to clean the house. After that, I am looking forward to taking some vacations with my husband, maybe a cruise, someplace warm.”
And as alluring as those sunny skies and tropical beaches sound, Wilson is going to miss being a crossing guard.
“I am going to miss the children. I really enjoyed the people – the children and their families,” she said fondly.
As Wilson prepares to trade in the paved streets for sandy beaches, the difference she has made in the lives of children will be sure to bring a smile to their faces even on those rainiest of days.
