Keeping Our Community Safe

The Emery/Weiner School carpool line would not be complete without the infamously long U-turn and security guard, Mr. Hendrik Volschenk. While you may know Volschenk’s face, you might not know his story. Director of Emery’s security team, he is tasked with protecting the school and its students, Volschenk’s role is critical for the safety of the Emery community.

A typical day for Volschenk starts around 7:30 in the morning, when he has to ensure that all security guards and police officers are in position, preparing for carpool and the rush of students, faculty, and parents storming the Emery campus. 

While Volschenk is now an essential part of the security team at Emery, he says, “I never thought I would be over here doing big security at a school.”

Born and raised in South Africa, Volschenk always wanted to be three things: a teacher, involved in law enforcement on the environmental side (like a game ranger or warden), or a driver on a farm. Reflecting on this, he comments, “And I did all three of those things.”

He describes his current job as a combination of teaching and law enforcement. “I love the aspect of enriching people’s lives, but we all have our different kinds of niches, and my niche is making sure that teachers here are in a safe environment where they can teach and focus on that, and students can be students.” 

However, a background in law enforcement is not the only driving force in his life. “I think of the word; respect,” says Volschenk, “My mom is a retired lieutenant colonel from the military and she taught me a lot growing up.” Volschenk is not only inspired to protect students and create a safe learning environment but also wants to inspire students to “respect peoples’ opinions, even if they are different.”

Inspired by his passion for education, Volschenk stresses the importance of respect. “It is such a valuable word because, through it, you add value to your life because you’re giving something. You add value to the person’s life who is receiving that respect.” 

Volschenk’s commitment to the Emery community continues to inspire those around him, ensuring Emery remains a place where education and personal growth can thrive.