GREENSBORO, N.C. — Friday was the last day of school for Guilford County. It marked a new chapter for students who are graduating and students who are moving on to the next grade.
It also marked a new chapter of retirement for 102-year-old crossing guard Thomas Faucette at Peck Elementary School.
For Thomas and his wife Elizabeth, the day starts at five in the morning.
By six, it's time to get out the door.
It's their morning routine, but after 36 years, it will soon change.
"I'm excited for him, and I do know that right now it has not hit him," said Elizabeth. "This is his last day as far as being a crossing guard, so when it finally does hit him, I just let him know that it's time for him to say, so long, farewell."
Thomas Faucette is preparing to stand guard one final time.
"This part in the morning, that part in the afternoon, and that'll be it," said Elizabeth Faucette.
Thomas is retiring, but it's not his first time.
After serving in World War II, he worked for the FTC and the postal service before retiring in 1986.
Two years later, his wife Elizabeth put him back to work.
"When he retired from the post office, we found something for him to do," she said. "He's been doing this for 36 years, just a blessing."
By 7 a.m., Thomas is manning his post.
Friday, students weren't the only ones crossing his path.
Friends, other crossing guards, family, and the students at Peck Elementary were sending him out dancing.
"I will miss Mr. Faucette," said Peck Principal Ashley Triplett. "He's out there every single day. He probably has the best attendance of anybody I've ever seen. He's just kind of like our building, right? He's just so important, but you just don't realize that he's there sometimes because he's always there, so it's really sad to see him go.
Those at the celebration are at an intersection of emotion, between sadness and happiness.
Many said it is bittersweet.
Thomas is now walking down a new path in life, not as a guard, but rather guarded with his wife right by his side.
"I'm very proud and being 102, what can you say? I'm just so thankful that he has made it to this point," said Elizabeth.