On Feb. 27, students and staff lined the halls in a ‘thank you tunnel’ that stretched from office to office to celebrate the retirement of school resource officer John Aston after his seven years of service at State High.
Aston was a widely respected and loved member of the school system and his departure marks the end of q respected and critical career, one that profoundly impacted both students and staff.
“It’s the engagement I had with the students over the years, the things I’ve learned from them. So I came walking in this school at 24 years old as a police officer, knowing a whole lot–detective and all that–and some of the best learning experiences have been interacting with the students. Going in doing presentations, having students come talk to me, the things I’ve learned from them, the intelligence, the sophistication, the innovation, just you name it, that I’ve walked away saying ‘Oh my God,’” Aston said. “[I am] feeling comfortable about where our future is going.”
Since joining the school community seven years ago, Aston quickly became more than just the person who ensured safety. With his smile and approachable demeanor, he built a strong and trusting relationship with all members of the school.
Student Rainey Walker appreciated Aston’s work. “I know he worked really hard at his job and did a really good job too,” Walker said.
Counselor Jess Zorger noted what made Aston unique. “He’s a police officer and that’s his role, but also he has a really great ability to work with kids in a way that’s kind and caring and doing what’s best for kids. So I think what I will miss most about him is that balance,” Zorger said.
Matt Hertlein, the new SRO stepping into Aston’s position, has big shoes to fill.
“He’s an integral part too, I mean, [in] taking the SRO spot here at State High, like to a whole new level. I mean, he’s been in classes, teaching classes, some driver’s ed content classes…kind of anything they, you know, they’ve asked him to do, like he’s obviously taking that role,” Hertlein said. “And the biggest thing is for the security of the school and the students and staff, making sure the awareness he brought forward, and one of the biggest things he started also was the Student Safety Ambassadors Club.”
Student Isla Reite emphasized the essential role Aston has played. “He’s helped protect the school,” Reite said.
The tunnel celebrated the knowledge and efforts Aston contributed through his work. Hertlein said: “He’s going to be missed, not just by the school, but by the police department a ton, because of his knowledge, I mean, almost 30 years [of working for the police]. It’s hard to replace that, so you can’t replace it.”
