Helen Hester is one of Alachua County’s crossing guard grandmas

Helen Hester, 82, is an Alachua County crossing guard of nine years.

She doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.  

Hester, widowed and with grandchildren scattered across the country, has created a family out of her career.  “I could be their grandma,” she says as she safely guides the children across the street.  

From passing out hugs and high-fives to pausing traffic for the morning commute, Hester is always a smiling face for the children of Alachua County.