The Lincoln East security team is arguably one of the most vital components to our school. They keep us safe, they interact with students, and overall make the school experience better. However, despite their positive nature, they are shown as antagonistic in most media depicting the high school experience. Security guards are often depicted as ruthless individuals who have the eye of a hawk, and always yell at students for the smallest things. That’s a common stereotype for security guards, and most middle schoolers believe that the security guards at high schools are something that they need to avoid at all costs. However, that is not the case.
On top of trying to avoid security guards, some students often forget that we have security guards. When asked, many students often confused the security guards for other similar roles, such as the administrators. Other students asked if we actually have a security team. Many students are either unaware of the security team’s existence, or just try to avoid them out of fear.
However, the Lincoln East security team defies the negative stereotypes. Students will normally be seen interacting and joking around with the security. Not to get on their good side, but because they’re kind people to hang out with. Alongside their regular duties, security guards enjoy socializing with the students of Lincoln East.One of the newer security guards at Lincoln East, Marcus Everts, is no exception. He is commonly seen hanging out with students on top of doing his duties. Mr. Everts came to Lincoln East as a security guard after working as a 7th grade science teacher at Lux Middle School.
“The idea that a security guard is just there for trouble is one of the stereotypes I can think of,” said Everts. “We’re not here for trouble at all, we’re just here to make sure people see a familiar face, feel safe, and as welcome and comfortable as possible.”
Everts also stated that one of the craziest differences coming to a high school from a middle school was seeing the kids he taught as 7th graders grow up and mature to be high schoolers. The head of security at Lincoln East, Sydney Austin, is another important part of the team. She plays a vital role in keeping the team on the same page, and has some extra responsibilities, and her leadership completes the group.
“Being head of security is actually a really fun job,” said Austin, “Even though that’s what it says, ‘head of security,’ I don’t feel like I’m better than any of my teammates. We have a great team that works together, so I don’t ever really feel like I’m doing more than they are.”
According to Austin, the security guards think of each other as co-workers and friends, and that they commonly hang out with each other outside of work, but they make sure that their friendships don’t get in the way of work. She also said that the team is just around in case something happens, rather than looking for specific things to get kids in trouble.As we clear up some stigmas about the Lincoln East security team, it becomes clear that they’re so much more than just security guards.
Contrary to the way the position is portrayed in media, East Security Guards are friends, role models, and an essential part of our school community. By recognizing their impact on our school, we can tell true from false, and see them as individuals who genuinely care about us and our safety at Lincoln East.
