Unsung staff hero on campus
School security Madgeolyn Wooten waits for freshman Justin Taylor to get off the bus during her morning routine.
December 11, 2014
Well known, loved by parents and students, spreading positivity and understanding are some of the words that come to mind when people think about the school security Madgeolyn Wooten.
“Ms. Madge is amazing,” junior Rosemary Vazquez said. “She’s helped me with everything I need: Family problems, school problems. She’s one of the few people at this school that I feel comfortable talking to.”
Three years ago, Wooten, who is affectionately called Ms. Madge, was left without a job when her previous job as a campus aid at Los Angeles High School was downsized.
She then became the school security at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School and serves as a campus aid with the goal of keeping the campus safe. But she’s often the person students seek for personal guidance and comfort.
“Students come to me for guidance because I’m going to be honest. I’m going to tell you straight up,” Wooten said.
So it’s no surprise that she is studying for a masters degree in counseling and/or behavioral therapy.
Madge hugs parent Ilana Amiram.
One of Wooten’s goals is to eventually be a behavioral analyst for the FBI and to open a foundation that will assist individuals in pursuing their college dreams.
Once she has that degree, she hopes to successfully apply and receive a position as a behavior analyst for the FBI. As for the foundation, she would need to file paperwork and receive funding or donations in order to help others achieve their college dreams.
“My definition of success is continuing to live life and one day having grandkids,” said Wooten, who draws inspiration from her children, two boys ages 25 and 16, dreams and fears.
Madge helps out a parent by collecting paper work.
She will start working on her master’s degree in the spring, but she’s not yet sure where she will enroll. Wooten chose her subject as counseling because she felt that many students and young teenagers were being misinformed about their requirements to exit school and life.
The cause of this is the disconnection between adults and teens and Wooten believes she could be the bridge to that gap.
“She always makes me smile, understands, has the best advice,” senior Yarden Amiram said. “I love everything about her. She is the best person I know.”
