Crossing guard celebrates 36 years working with students in Spring Branch ISD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Jesse Ochoa is not your average crossing guard.

Mr. Jesse, as he is known, is more of a celebrity around Frostwood Elementary.

"It's a joy to do this," Mr. Jesse said.

For 36 years, he has been watching out for students as a crossing guard, not just on the streets but also inside the classroom.

He was even there when Katherine Whaley and Sayler Robbins were students at Frostwood.

"Always made me laugh and feel incredibly comfortable and accepted," Robbins said.

Mr. Jesse knows a thing or two about acceptance.

In 1981, he came to Frostwood as a custodian.

PHOTOS: Beloved crossing guard celebrates 36 years in Spring Branch ISD

Barely able to speak English, he learned from some of the youngest students.

"My education and everything is coming from the children and from the community," Mr. Jesse said.

Over the years, Mr. Jesse has worked in countless roles around campus, as a groundskeeper, classroom assistant, and even cafeteria ice cream vendor.

He's so loved that "A Day with Mr. Jesse" has been offered as an auction item for a school fundraiser.

But Mr. Jesse says it's the children who inspire him, including Sayler's first grade son, Sam.

"He balances on his head and he does lots of tricks," Sam said.

"I come to work every day and I enjoy it because when I come here and I work with the children, I have energies," Mr. Jesse said.

Mr. Jesse says as this school year begins, he's ready to welcome the next class with open arms.

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