By Paul Dunlop
CHERYL Hill is top of the lollipops.
The muchloved Bunyip Primary School crossing supervisor has helped hundreds, even thousands, of children get to school on time rain, hail or shine.
Cheryl started working as a lollipop lady in January 1998. She resigned recently as her family is moving to Merton in northeast Victoria.
It will be a case of gone, but not forgotten for the many youngsters she helped across the road and the school’s parents and teachers.
Cheryl said she would miss the many friends she had made over the years.
“I have enjoyed it, I’d still be doing it now but we are moving out of the area,” she said.
“When I started I said I’d only do it for three years while my kids were still in primary school but they’re all grown up and left home.”
The last day of the school year always meant lollipops for children.
Cheryl said she had enjoyed watching the students grow up. Some now had children of their own, she said.
Cheryl was honoured by the school recently, with the parents and friends association presenting her with a certificate, some plants for her new property and flowers.
Bunyip Primary School parents and friends association secretary Kate Murphy said Cheryl had worked on the crossing for about 1590 days.
“That’s 3180 times she’s put the flags up and taken them down again,” she said.
“Cheryl always had a smile and a wave for the drivers and she was great with the kids.
“She has been a fantastic lollipop lady and she is going to be missed.”