Mounds Students Give Retiring Teacher A Car

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

MOUNDS, OK -- After nearly four decades in the classroom, an Oklahoma teacher has helped  hundreds of students begin the journey to a good education.  So as she switches gears into retirement, her students want her to have a smooth ride.

Pat Walliser calls her old car the scourge of the Mounds Middle School parking lot.

"It was my son's reject. He wanted a Jeep, so I got the hoop," Walliser said.

Banged up with gaping holes, it has been to just about every single Mounds home game, but it's a little too risky for the away games.  And, it's now driven Walliser to school for the last time.

After 38 years in the classroom, all but ten at Mounds, Mrs. Walliser is retiring.

"Before we start honoring Mrs. Walliser, there's something she needs to see before I can do much talking," said her colleague, Darlene Howk, before everyone headed outside.

The 'thank you' for Walliser came with four wheels and a big red bow.

"It has air conditioning!  It has a radio, no dents!" said Pat Walliser.

Not only did the students buy a used car for Mrs. Walliser, they outfitted it with a AAA membership, picked up the tax bill, got her $100 in gas money and put down more than $800 for her car insurance.