Eddie Johnson surprises his 6th grade teacher on her last day

FLOSSMOOR, Ill. (WLS) -- After 38 years in the classroom, Flossmoor teacher Sue Aylmer is retiring and one of her most successful students came by for a surprise.

In 1972, Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson was in Aylmer's sixth grade class at Mount Vernon School on Chicago's Far South Side. One Wednesday, he was at Heather Hill School for a surprise visit.

Johnson thanked her for her years of service, mentorship and for always believing in him.

"I don't have the words to say thank you enough and the other teachers that helped influence my life and propel me to the place I am today, because I would not be here had it not been for them," Johnson said.

He recalled of Aylmer: "I can remember her taking time, with all of us, to make sure we were on the path and learning what we were supposed to learn, not only just in school but how to be good people."

And Aylmer remembered him fondly as well.

"Eddie always had good common sense and sometimes a little jokester. I just remember he was a good kid, always wanted to help out," Aylmer

It was those good memories that prompted Aylmer to write a letter to Johnson telling him that, when he became superintendent, it was one of her proudest moments as an educator.

"Well I just think he's standing up for the city of Chicago and just doing the best job he can. And I taught him!" Aylmer said.

Aylmer gave life lessons to many students over the years, but admitted Wednesday that Johnson was still her favorite.