She was doing just that at 8:40 a.m. Tuesday when the mayor, principal and assistant principal of Ridgeway Elementary and others rolled up in a school bus.
With the infectious, upbeat tune “Happy” by Pharrell Williams playing, Ridgeway Principal Kathy Wagonfield and Assistant Principal Kevin Kernohan hopped off the bus holding bunches of balloons and leading students in a cheer — all for Cook.
“We have a little cheer for you,” Wagonfield announced to a surprised Cook.
“Whose so great she’s off the hook,” yelled Wagonfield.
“Tiffany Cook, Tiffany Cook,” responded the enthusiastic students.
“Who teaches us to stop and look,” Wagonfield chanted.
“Tiffany Cook, Tiffany Cook,” the chorus of youngsters sang into the air.
Then, the tears of appreciation started, with Cook saying she was blown away by the gesture.
“They got me good,” said the Hamilton resident who started coming to the stop when her daughter, who is now in the eighth grade, was a third-grader.
“I’ve just gotten attached to all of the kids here and just kept coming out here to watch them in the morning and in the afternoon,” Cook said.
Hamilton Mayor Pat Moeller proclaimed Tuesday “Tiffany Cook Day” and said her service is an example of what giving back to the community means.
“She is just not queen of the bus stop, but she’s queen of Hamilton for a day,” he said. “Thank you for everything you do.”
Parent Kelli Fromille has three children who have experienced Cook’s kindness and watchful eye.
“She does a wonderful job,” Fromille said. “You see her out here every morning and afternoon. If there is a kid in need, she does whatever she can to help them.”
Hamilton Police Officer Wayne Wells said the department appreciates that Cook watches out for the students as they are heading to and from school on the bus.
Bus driver Dean Nantz echoed those sentiments.
“Tiffany is a wonderful person and it was nice that she got honored today because she deserves it,” he said.
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