Transcribe your podcast
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How about a big round of applause for Ms. Ell.

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There were songs.

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You've done so much for us over the years.

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And celebration. An outpouring of love, honoring Berkeley, California Crossing Guard, Alice K. Talbert, who's just retired from her post at Ruth Actee Elementary after nearly 20 years. Calvin McLea Welch is just one of the generations of students she's cared for and kept safe. Many return to thank her for making them feel special. Calvin's mom, Steph, helped organize the emotional send-off and a fundraiser for the woman everyone calls Ms. Alice. Steph, what an extraordinary person she is.

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She's the best of us. Not only keeping us safe, but showing us what respect it looks like, what it looks like to truly respect other people. If the world was Alice's corner, it would be the world we all want.

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Alice, there was a moment when they were singing that song to you. You looked up and pointed it up. Do you remember why?

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I was thanking God for letting me be the person that I am and taking me through my life journeys.

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A life well-lived, huh, Alice?

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I couldn't ask for more.

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For this humble woman guided by faith, it's a bitter sweet goodbye I don't have grandchildren, but you're all my grandchildren. And the beginning of a new chapter, leading by example and inspiring all of us with these profound words of wisdom.

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Be friends with one another. Yes. Be friends with one another. And I want every last one of you all to take a journey to be positive. Okay? I love you. To you because the world belongs to you guys, and you got to make a difference in the world. That's what I want for all of you, to make a difference.

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We wish Ms. Alice a happy and healthy retirement.

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Thanks for watching. Stay updated about breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media.