KENOSHA, Wis. — For 50 years, one familiar face has stood in the street, stop sign in hand, making sure generations of children made it safely to school and back home again.
Karen Ovitt, a Kenosha native, marked five decades of service this month as a school crossing guard — a milestone that quietly speaks volumes about dedication, patience and heart. Ovitt began her career on Feb. 4, 1976, and has since helped countless students safely cross busy streets throughout the city .
Over the years, she has worked at Edward Bain School, St. Casimir Grade School, Bose Elementary School and Harvey Elementary School. Today, she can be found at Bullen Middle School, Curtis Strange Elementary School and Bose Elementary School, still watching for traffic and waving students across with the same steady commitment .
“All of us crossing guards have helped save tons of kids,” Ovitt said. “I’m going to do this as long as I can.”
That kind of longevity is rare in any profession — even more so in one that requires standing outdoors in every kind of Wisconsin weather. When asked what advice she would give to new crossing guards, Ovitt didn’t hesitate: “You have to have a lot of patience.”
Her milestone was recognized Friday afternoon, when Safety Officer Tyler Cochran presented Ovitt with a commendation honoring her decades of public service .
“Anything you do for 50 years is a huge deal, especially when it comes to public service and working out in the community as a crossing guard,” Cochran said. “You guys are out there every day, morning, afternoon, making sure that kids get to and from school safely. To do that for 50 years is incredible.”
Mayor David Bogdala also praised Ovitt’s unwavering commitment.
“Thank you so much for serving our community for the past 50 years,” Bogdala said. “Your dedication and commitment to keeping our children safe has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and families.”
For half a century, Ovitt has been one of those steady presences that often go unnoticed — the person who stands between traffic and children, rain or shine, snow or sun. In a world that changes quickly, her consistency has been a reassuring constant for Kenosha families.
And for Karen Ovitt, the message is simple: as long as she’s able, she’ll keep showing up.
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3 Responses
She is a amazing person and very nice
It’s 50 years people. Pretty impressive.
That says alot! 50 years… amazing feat! Congratulations and well done!