OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. — Sandy Culver started assisting in the Locust Grove Elementary School in Oldham County about seven years ago. School staff says she now has a strong bond with the students. 

When Ms. Sandy, as the students call her, walks into the Locust Grove Elementary School in Oldham County, she suddenly has 600 grandchildren. 

 “These are my first graders,” Culver explained.

“No, she’s my grandma,” a first-grader chimes in while hugging Culver. Her other nickname is “grandma.” 

Almost every school day, the Louisville native helps around the school and helps monitor the cafeteria. 

“I come here and I’m useful, at home not so much. I’m just mom. And here I’m here, and you have to be useful. I mean, I’ve seen what happens if you’re not useful,” Culver shared. 

The 77-year-old worked as a bus driver for about 30 years and was a lunch monitor for Oldham County schools. After her husband passed away, she started volunteering at the elementary school.

“I have monitoring experience. I used to get paid to be a monitor, but this all has to do with smiles and laughter,” she said.

During lunch time, Culver does a little bit of everything. “She gives every kid the world and she’s honest and she loves everyone,” fourth grader Sutton Rieke shared. 

When students see Culver, it’s obvious how much she means to them. But, she says, the students are helping her out just as much. 

“Keeping me alive. These kids are my joy,” she said. 

Culver’s help doesn’t stop when the last bell rings. During the summer, she also volunteers with the school’s administrative tasks.