88-Year-Old Owasso Crossing Guard Starts 21st Year With District

The first day of school was on Thursday for students, teachers and staff returning to classrooms in Owasso. For crossing guard Grace Moats, she started her 21st year with the district making sure students get across the road safely.

Moats, 88, sits at the top of the hill at Owasso’s Smith Elementary school waiting for students who need to cross the road each morning and afternoon. Rain, shine and even snow on occasion, Moats always has her stop sign ready to go.

Moats knows a lot of the kids and has been a part of their before and after school routines for years. She’s walked with some students from kindergarten all the way to 5th grade.

“I love watching them grow up, but I hate to see them leave and go to the 6th grade,” said Moats.

In late 2018, Moats was diagnosed with throat cancer. After chemo and radiation, she’s slowly started feeling better and hasn’t let her health battle or age get in the way of doing what she loves.

“She loves every minute of it, from the first year she did this until now, Grace has that same attitude,” said Billy Oliver, Director of Transportation for Owasso Public Schools.

Oliver said Grace defines everything many parents love about the district. For her, it’s about building relationships and most importantly, seeing her friends.

“When I leave here I’m in a better mood after I see the kids,” said Moats. “You know, they’re just my life.”

Moats told News On 6 she has no plans of slowing down and plans to do her job as long as she can.