With the school year back in full swing now, many of us barely have time to look up from our computers and textbooks, overwhelmed with a plethora of various assessments and projects, much less recognize the people we don’t necessarily interact with on a daily or even regular basis. Although we do not always realize the great deal of work they do, the security at Maggie Walker is an integral part of the very environment that lets all students safely attend school daily and have an overall secure educational environment. This year, you may have noticed some new faces (other than the freshmen students), including Maggie Walker’s two new security officers, Officer Kayla Jeffreys and Officer Bradley Jenkins, who began their current jobs in July this summer. They both share a passion for uplifting students, greeting Dragons every morning. Through their various responsibilities in different parts of the building, they have been able to interact with members of the Maggie Walker community, as they settle into their new jobs. 

Officer Jenkins was born in Savannah, Georgia, but he grew up in Colorado. Due to his father’s employment within the United States Army, he recalled, “I moved here and did high school at Prince George.” 

Officer Jeffreys was born closer to Virginia—in Rocky Mount, North Carolina—but “moved to Richmond when [she] was probably six or seven.” Attending Huguenot High School in Richmond, Officer Jeffreys graduated as a member of the Class of ‘20. Maggie Walker varies immensely from her own experiences at her high school. She commented on how the “calmness of the environment [and] the freedom that you all have,” and “the way y’all get to have lunch” contribute to what sets Maggie Walker apart from her own high school experience.

In fact, the unique experience of the Maggie Walker setting is also new to Officer Jenkins. Maggie Walker is the first school that he has ever worked at, and although he has worked in security before, interacting with young people as opposed to older adults is “completely different.” Especially in a fresh environment, Officer Jenkins loves meeting new people and students at MLWGS, while seeking to foster a friendly, positive demeanor in his daily “good mornings.” 

Though not new to working with children, Officer Jeffreys is new to a school environment. She was previously a military police officer for two years in Fort Bliss, a US Army base in Texas that is on the U.S. border with Mexico. After two years at Fort Bliss, she worked as a store warehouse manager. Later, she began working with children when she started her job as a part of Richmond Transportation, where she “[took] kids back and forth.” 

Although she has only been working at Maggie Walker for a short amount of time, Officer Jeffreys described her occupation here as “the best job I've ever had,” commenting that she plans on “being here for a very long time.” She credits the “students, the teachers, everybody” for contributing to a great, productive atmosphere for all, saying, “the morale here is high.” She truly loves Maggie Walker and is extremely excited for her time here.

Both Officer Jeffreys and Officer Jenkins are immensely busy throughout the day and are often moving around various locations within the school, with Officer Jenkins commenting, “Everywhere, they call me Houdini. I just disappear.” Even among their slew of responsibilities, they both love talking to students and helping out if problems arise. Next time you see either of them, make sure you say hello and welcome them to Maggie Walker. Also, make sure you show your appreciation for all of their hard work by thanking them for all that they do!