More than just a security guard
Most students think a security guard’s job is just to keep people from fighting, but it's so much more than just that.
Naomy Ortiz, Staff Writer
March 4, 2024
March 4, 2024
Clay is a security guard here at DeKalb High School. He and the other security guards are responsible for keeping us safe and making sure that the students at DeKalb High School have a safe and peaceful environment to learn in. At times, when the students are the ones unsettling the learning environment and peace, being a security guard can be tough. These students on occasion
Unfortunately, a lot of Americans take security guards for granted by not giving them the wage they deserve. Working at a school (specifically working as a security guard), means you are sacrificing, most times, a better-paying job for a more peaceful environment. The staff we have at DHS are here because they choose to be here. They wake up every morning and come here to teach and to give it their all. Some teachers do it to accomplish their dreams or to see smiles on kids' faces and some, like Clay, do it to see the students grow.
Clay was once a student here at DeKalb High School. He’s walked these hallways and was taught by some of the same teachers we have today. He points out a few differences from when he was in high school, like when DHS had Flex. Flex was a time when you could meet up with a teacher for extra help on a subject. They also used to have early release Wednesdays, and now, the school's population is higher and there are a lot more classes and clubs. His journey in this district began when he was a security guard at Clinton Rosette Middle School. He protected the students and made sure they were safe, very much like he does here.
Clay worked along the side of his mother there at Clinton Rosette. Clay and his mother have poured their heart out to this district while dedicating their time here. After a few years, he transferred to DeKalb High School with his mom, he came in as a security guard and his mom works in the SOAL program. Clay describes a regular day at DeKalb High School as quiet, and for most of the day, you will find him on the east side on the first floor. Clay says the busiest times for him and his team members are during passing periods, before school, and after school.
Besides being a security guard, Clay is also a major football fan; he enjoys staying active and playing multiple sports like golf and biking. He is also a major gamer and tells us that he enjoys playing on his PlayStation 5 with friends.
Clay grew up here in DeKalb, just down the street from Dekalb High School. He went to Jefferson Elementary as a child, he tells us that a special memory he has from his childhood is him walking to school with his mom and his brother. Clay describes himself as fun, understanding, positive, and as the funniest guy in his friend group. He mentions to us that he'd like to be remembered in our school community as a nice and fair person and as a person who made a change for the community. DeKalb High School has made a huge impact on his life. He says that he has spent half of his life in the old and new high school and DeKalb High School will always be part of his life no matter what, and will forever be a great chapter in his life. Clay has played a major role in this community and talks about how his final goal is to sit by a lake and fish all day and enjoy the peace.
Unfortunately, a lot of Americans take security guards for granted by not giving them the wage they deserve. Working at a school (specifically working as a security guard), means you are sacrificing, most times, a better-paying job for a more peaceful environment. The staff we have at DHS are here because they choose to be here. They wake up every morning and come here to teach and to give it their all. Some teachers do it to accomplish their dreams or to see smiles on kids' faces and some, like Clay, do it to see the students grow.
Clay was once a student here at DeKalb High School. He’s walked these hallways and was taught by some of the same teachers we have today. He points out a few differences from when he was in high school, like when DHS had Flex. Flex was a time when you could meet up with a teacher for extra help on a subject. They also used to have early release Wednesdays, and now, the school's population is higher and there are a lot more classes and clubs. His journey in this district began when he was a security guard at Clinton Rosette Middle School. He protected the students and made sure they were safe, very much like he does here.
Clay worked along the side of his mother there at Clinton Rosette. Clay and his mother have poured their heart out to this district while dedicating their time here. After a few years, he transferred to DeKalb High School with his mom, he came in as a security guard and his mom works in the SOAL program. Clay describes a regular day at DeKalb High School as quiet, and for most of the day, you will find him on the east side on the first floor. Clay says the busiest times for him and his team members are during passing periods, before school, and after school.
Besides being a security guard, Clay is also a major football fan; he enjoys staying active and playing multiple sports like golf and biking. He is also a major gamer and tells us that he enjoys playing on his PlayStation 5 with friends.
Clay grew up here in DeKalb, just down the street from Dekalb High School. He went to Jefferson Elementary as a child, he tells us that a special memory he has from his childhood is him walking to school with his mom and his brother. Clay describes himself as fun, understanding, positive, and as the funniest guy in his friend group. He mentions to us that he'd like to be remembered in our school community as a nice and fair person and as a person who made a change for the community. DeKalb High School has made a huge impact on his life. He says that he has spent half of his life in the old and new high school and DeKalb High School will always be part of his life no matter what, and will forever be a great chapter in his life. Clay has played a major role in this community and talks about how his final goal is to sit by a lake and fish all day and enjoy the peace.