PPS-SF Star of the Month: Willie Brown Middle School's Eldridge "Swiff" Anthony

Every single one of us has a fond memory of someone who inspired us during our K-12 experience. Someone who put a smile on everyone’s face and believed in every single student, no matter their background or adversity. For Willie Brown Jr Middle School, that person is security guard Eldridge “Swiff” Anthony.

Eldridge “Swiff” Anthony standing in the front lobby at Willie Brown Jr Middle School.

At 73 years young, Swiff has worked for the SFUSD district for 25 years. Up until recently, Swiff would work overnight shifts at the post office and work as a security guard for SFUSD in the morning. Swiff has spent the past seven years at WBMS and is one of the very first security guards to be hired at the school.

“I always encourage the students to be the best they can be and to remind them of what their priorities are… because they are the future,” Swiff told PPS-SF during an interview.

Swiff also started the very first choir group at WBMS with the collaboration of another teacher. Since Swiff spent all of his life in choir and even sung the national anthem at a Warriors game in 1995, he believed choir was the best way to spread joy and positivity amongst the students.

“Music makes the world go around and it is the language for everyone, which is why we started choir,” Swiff said “the program brings kids together and everyone is welcome with no requirement for audition,” Swiff also added.

The choir group originally started out as an after school program, but once it gained popularity during a short span of time, WBMS added it as a class to the school’s curriculum. Covid temporarily halted the class but Swiff hopes it will be re-implemented next year.

“I was’t a privileged kid growing up and I know how that feels… for the past 25 years it’s been an amazing experience inspiring and working with the children,” Swiff said.

Every morning, Swiff clocks into work at about 8:30 am. He grabs the stop sign and directs traffic on his own until school starts, ensuring the crosswalks and cars passing by do not put the students at harm. He also greets every student and has an arsenal of masks at his disposal incase kids forgot to bring one. Since the streets around Willie Brown are notorious for cars not obeying the “STOP” signs, Swiff took it upon himself to direct traffic for the kid’s safety.

“Swiff is a model educator, who stands by our children despite all odds and all waves, to protect, inspire and uplift their true potential and their dreams.” PPS-SF Executive Director, Vanessa Danielle Marrero said. “It is Swiff and the many educators in our schools who deserve unyielding respect, regard and gratitude.”

PPS-SF is proud to highlight Swiff’s amazing work and we want to thank him for his decades of commitment to serve the SF community!