Waterford student praised for helping man in distress
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Rosalyn Kuhart, 15, is in her first year at Waterford Union High School. She’s a sophomore transfer from the Racine Unified School District and typically walks to school in the morning.
While she has taken the same walk countless times, Kuhart’s trek took on a different meaning Dec. 8, when she helped a man experiencing a mental health crisis along the side of the road.
Less than two weeks later, Waterford Union High School officials officially acknowledged her heroic actions, presenting Kuhart with a certificate of recognition on Dec. 20.
“We are very proud of her bravery and patience with that man in a time of need,” said Emily Castle, Student Services Enrollment Specialist at Waterford Union High School.
Kuhart, who was described as modest by her father, Eric, said the recognition came as a surprise for her and she initially didn’t know why she was summoned to the office.
“It was shocking because I am still new to this school,” Rosalyn said. “All of a sudden, I am called to the office and I don’t know why. There was the associate principal and school resource officer here.”
Recalling actions
Rosalyn recalled walking to school earlier this month and seeing a man in emotional distress.
She said the man was asking for help and even asked Rosalyn to call 911 for further assistance.
“What he needed was medicine,” Rosalyn said.
According to school officials, once she arrived to Waterford for school, Rosalyn needed to speak with her counselor because of the traumatic experience.
At the time, she missed one class period, and didn’t disclose much information to her father when she returned home from school that day.
“When I got home from school, I was so anxious and still processing what happened,” she said. “I was not really ready to share that.”
Eric recalled receiving vague information at the beginning.
“I didn’t know the whole story of what happened that she had to call 911 or anything like that,” Eric said. “She was modest and said, ‘Yeah, this guy needed help and I helped him.’”
Helping others
Growing up in Racine, Eric always placed an emphasis on helping others, even going as far as assisting homeless families and others in need.
“I have always instilled in her and her brother (Liam) to be helpful to other people in need,” Eric said. “If someone is in need or if someone is in danger, don’t just walk past them.”
Considering her upbringing, Rosalyn’s heroic action did not come as a shock for Eric, who commended his daughter’s willingness.
“It doesn’t surprise me that she saw somebody that needed help and gave that person some time,” he said.
Waterford officials commended Rosalyn’s poise in coming to the aid of the man.
“She stayed calm and had the man sit down and did what the 911 operator told her to do,” Castle said.
Still transitioning
Rosalyn and her younger brother, Liam, are still growing accustomed to the Waterford community.
But she said Waterford officials have been overwhelmingly supportive of her family since she came to the school.
Rosalyn acknowledged some cultural shock since she spent her younger years in the Racine Unified School District with students predominantly living in a densely populated city.
Rosalyn, who enjoys math class, also said she has an interest in woodworking and physical education classes at Waterford.
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