The security guards at State High, or the “redshirts” are a crucial part of State High’s character. They can be seen greeting students coming in and leaving school without fail, but what do they actually do?
The redshirts are part of a contracted security company called Standing Stone Consulting Inc, employed by State High.
“Our job is basically as ambassadors, and a deterrent, ambassadors for visitors coming to the school, to get them directed in the right direction, and a deterrent so that anybody driving by thinking of coming in and trying to do harm to you guys, we can deter them from doing that, they can see us present,” Chuck Hodges, a security guard at State High, said.
The redshirt’s presence on campus increased after a threat against State High in April of 2025, resulting in more friendly faces being seen by students every day in the halls.
The bright and blinding red of State High’s security guards can be intimidating, but the redshirts are more dedicated to protecting students than anyone else.
“I’m no different than any other red shirt, I’m here to protect you students because I care about all ya’ll, and [to me it’s] not a job, it’s doing something beneficial for you,” Steve Smith, who’s worked in security for 24 years, said.
Smith has been an iconic figure representing State High. He stands over his post in the hub, making sure each student is safe and going where they need to be in the building.
“We are here to protect the students and the staff, make sure the kids are going to class and not wandering the halls, not writing stuff on the walls in the bathroom, making sure there’s no fights,” Jessica Howard, another security guard at State High, said.
The redshirts aim to keep a consistently positive and peaceful environment within State High.
Part of being a redshirt is maintaining alertness. “That’s exactly what security is all about…you always pay attention to your traffic, it’s like when you drive a car… you’re always paying attention,” said Smith
However, directing students to follow SCASD rules and greeting them isn’t all the redshirts do for the students of State High.
“We’re friendly with the people coming in. Greet them with a smile and a hello for the students, I make sure I greet you guys with my fist bumps,” Hodges said.
Each security guard has memorable and admirable aspects of their personality. Hodges is known for greeting each and every student with a fist bump, whether they’re coming in or out of the building, or just seeing Hodges in passing.
“I’ve built a lot of good relationships with the students,” Howard said.
“Rewarding parts of it is watching you guys grow, and the accomplishments all of you guys get, because everybody I’ve seen is as talented as anything…We are dedicated to you guys…we’re not here to be mean to you, we’re trying to make sure you guys kind of stay on the right side so you don’t get in trouble,” Hodges said.
State High’s security guards show up to school every day, dedicated to protecting students, just as teachers do. Redshirts aren’t just security guards; they’re here to connect with each student.
