Throughout the State High hallways, you have probably seen a few security members wearing signature red shirts. Known around school as “red shirts,” State High’s security guards work to keep the school safe by monitoring the hallways before, during and after school.
Security officer Steve Smith, who has been working with State High security for around two years now, explained his role.
“[My job is] to keep the school and students safe and secure, to go around and check different things like bathroom and doors are secure and things of that nature,” Smith said.
Angel Britt, who has worked in the district with different companies for the last eight years, also touched on what his new role as a security guard entails.
“I basically already was doing the same job. I think the only thing that’s really changed is that I’m more involved in the disciplinary aspect of students day to day,” Britt said.
Smith mentioned what the experiences with students through his job have been like. “Very good. I enjoy the students. I enjoy being here, and it’s a very nice school,” Smith said.
Smith explained the background behind his iconic saying of “Alright y’all.”
“One day, I got up and said it, and it stuck and I liked it. And it seems like the students like it too,” Smith said.
Smith explained how he came across this job. “It was another security job. I was there for about four years. They hired a supervisor that was not a very nice person. So I looked for another job to get away from that person, and I came across this job and I’m glad I did,” Smith said.
Britt also mentioned that the security staff are invested in students and their academic careers.
“No one does any job in a school, not just because they want to get paid. Like we’re all here because we care about the kids and their futures and we want to help them prosper,” Britt stated.
Britt encouraged students to interact with the security officers. “We’re here to keep you safe. We’re not here to intimidate anybody. So don’t ever be afraid to approach us as a security officer,” Britt stated.
Smith shared Britt’s sentiment. “[Something] I want people to know about me is that I care about students. I care that y’all do well in school. Y’all are safe. That’s my main concern,” Smith said.
The State High Security Guards are a part of a company called Standing Stone Consulting Inc., click on the link to learn more.
