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My thoughts: Jean Field, a member of the Milton Union High School Class of 1964, was honored in August for her 50 years of employment at the School District of Milton at the district's annual convocation. She is currently a custodian at Milton East Elementary School, but she has been a Jill of all trades in the district. She has worked as front office staff, has been on the district's nutrition team and as a crossing guard. And, the resume seemingly and impressively grew the more I spoke with her.

She has accumulated knowledge throughout the years, as well as stories. One can imagine, that I am one to enjoy hearing stories. When I sat down to talk with her about being honored and her time with the district, she had more than a few. That included when she stepped up to the plate to become a crossing guard when the district needed it at one of the busiest intersections in the city at then-State Highway 26.

"There was no stop sign. The only stop sign was on Parkview," Field said. She had remembered cars coming so close that "when I was in the middle of the road, that I could turn around and touch them."

One of those stories came as a member of the Milton Union High School marching band that marched at John F. Kennedy's presential inauguration in 1961.

"It was fun. We had a good time. It was cold. It was very, very cold," Field said.

There was more to her resume than just the roles at the school district, too.

"My husband and I ran a gas station during that time. I was an EMT during that time too," Field said.

That gas station, Bob's Citgo, was on W. Madison Avenue next to the Milton Fire Station.

Field said she enjoyed all of her roles in the district, but the custodial work is what she has enjoyed the most.

"I wouldn't go back to anything else," she said.

Field attended Milton West Elementary School. Her two children, Lynn and Bill, graduated from Milton High School, as have two of her grandchildren.