When entering Door 24 in the morning, you might have seen security guard Adrian Dortch. His cheery demeanor and bubbly personality shine through as he scans students in, telling them that they’re in the “VIP line.”
Dortch started working at West two years ago. He was born and raised in Evanston and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1995. He has worked not only at Niles West but also at Niles North, Niles Central and District 219 Bridges.
According to Dortch, he has always prioritized protecting others, which led him to work as a security guard.
“The beautiful thing about it is that it’s a man’s job to provide, protect, and to cover,” Dortch said. “Security is just something that men in their frame are supposed to do. I just happen to do it for the school.”
Dortch is connected to helping young people as a security guard and also through his nonprofit, Entrepreneur Endeavors Academy (EEA), which helps teach students business skills through music. He brings this passion to all different types of students at Steinmetz College Prep. He’s been able to get donations, one of them being from Chicago artist Chance the Rapper. His nonprofit has been around since 2008. According to Dortch, he would love to bring his music program to the students at West.
Dortch chose music because it’s something everyone is able to connect with and express in their own way.
“Well, no matter where you go, music is like a universal language,” Dortch said. “So although we all might not be able to speak Spanish or German or anything, music across the board can communicate to anyone a good vibe.”
Dortch prioritizes uplifting people and is frequently seen interacting with staff and students in the hallway. He always takes time to compliment or speak with them.
“I know everybody’s environments and both parents might be working nowadays,” Dortch said. “Being the kid in the house, they might be coming from backgrounds, households that might not be that loving. So for a short period of time, while I have kids or staff in front of me I just want to let have a sense of happiness and something joyful and just want to make it pleasant because life is not always pleasant.”
According to Dortch, he feels very good being at West and that the community is the right place for him. Senior Elyse Tregoning would agree as she often sees him in the hallways uplifting others.
“I don’t know him super well, but every time I see him in the hallways, he’s always talking to someone or complimenting them or he’s talking to me or complimenting me,” Tregoning said. “He always makes a point to reach out no matter how well he knows them because he just wants to brighten people’s day.”
It’s not only students he uplifts, as he also is very interactive with the staff. A coworker of his, Gio Mora, is also affected by Dortch’s positive demeanor.
“He’s really fun, really outgoing… he makes the day go by quick, I would say, Monday through Friday,” Mora said.
Next time you’re in the hallway or swiping into the morning remember Dortch’s attitude and emulate his teaching by spreading positive energy to those around you.
