LONACONING — Ever since Georges Creek Elementary School first opened its doors in 1975, Barbara Moffatt has been teaching there.

Some of her former students are grandparents now.

“She taught my dad,” said fourth-grader Sydney Warnick.

“She taught my mom,” said another student.

“She taught my mom, my aunt and my Uncle Sean,” another said.

Tuesday afternoon, Moffatt rode in a purple PT Cruiser convertible and wore a paper tiara on her head as more than 300 students and teachers lined the road to say goodbye.

Friday is Moffatt’s last day.

“I’ll miss the children. ... I might cry,” said Moffatt, tears filling her eyes. She taught in Allegany County schools for 39 years — 34 at Georges Creek.

“I lived in Lonaconing,” she said. “I loved the community and the children. Then I couldn’t leave.”

The fond feelings are mutual, as the marquis outside the school makes clear. “The Legend is Retiring,” it says.

All week, students and staff have surprised Moffatt with celebrations of her career.

On Monday, every student made her a card, and hundreds of cards were hung from the ceiling of her classroom.

“It looks like a jungle of cards,” said fourth-grade teacher Janice Raines, who as a college student served as Moffatt’s intern.

Tuesday’s parade included a fire engine, two students on horseback and a colorful banner that said: “We Will Miss You Mrs. Moffatt.” Earlier in the day, students read a proclamation making it “Mrs. Moffatt Day” and gave her a key to the school, said Jodi Stanton, reading intervention teacher.

Surprises are planned through the end of the week, said Stanton, who attended Georges Creek Elementary, but wasn’t in Moffatt’s class.

“She probably had my sister,” Stanton said.

Moffatt, who taught first, second and third grades over the years, spent most of her career in kindergarten classrooms, relishing the young students’ energy and openness.

“May I tell you why?” Moffatt teased, explaining her fondness for kindergartners. “They think I’m young. They think I’m beautiful. They think I’m smart and that I can sing and dance.”

During Tuesday’s parade, Moffatt tossed candy to children, waved enthusiastically and did a little bit of the chicken dance.

“She does the craziest dances,” said student Sydnee Meek.

“She’s hilarious,” student Arin Custer said.

In the days ahead, Moffatt said she and her husband plan to travel to places such as Myrtle Beach and ... wait for it ... Disney World.

“She’s an amazing person,” Raines said. “She is truly a legend in our community.”

Contact Kristin Harty at kharty@times-news.com.