ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Known to many around Pinellas County Schools as "Grandma McCree," an 81-year-old paraprofessional celebrated her 50th anniversary during a surprise celebration on Friday.
Izella McCree was crowned queen for the day by Pinellas County Schools during the celebration. In an earlier statement, the school officials said McCree was a "legend" and a "devoted supporter of students and staff."
On Friday, McCree said she had no idea she was going to be celebrated. Students and staff brought flowers, cards and posters; she was even given a crown to wear.
"I'm just so grateful," McCree said when asked for her reaction to the surprise. "I need another heart to take in all of this and I'll get to see them. I think I might have to do bus duty today.”
The 81-year-old tried to retire once back in 2004 but was said to have "missed the students too much to stay away."
“Grandma McCree” has spent the last five years at Northshore Elementary where she assists PreK 3 students with reading. She has also worked at Lakewood Elementary and Sanderlin Elementary.
Pinellas County Schools says McCree has helped students across five generations.
“Every child is important,” McCree said in a previous statement. “All they need is someone with patience, care, a good attitude, and lots of love; you must have love in your heart, and then success will come.”
School officials said the district needs more paraprofessionals like “Grandma McCree,” who have a passion for education. Paraprofessionals provide academic and/or behavioral instruction support for students in PreK through Extended Transition.