Earlier this month, Our Lady of Victory incoming sixth-grader Chase Reid participated in the Mount Vernon Police Department Youth Police Academy, a multi-week program designed to help young people develop leadership skills, learn about law enforcement and public safety, strengthen teamwork, and build positive relationships with members of the Mount Vernon community.
Reid took part in a variety of activities, including daily presentations, community service projects, self-defense, fitness training, and educational field trips.
“I loved Police Academy because we had to make split-second decisions during different situations,” Reid shared via e-mail with The Good Newsroom. “We learned when we might have to apprehend a suspect and how to react quickly. It was really good for me and the other cadets because it taught us how to think fast, stay calm, and make good decisions. I had a lot of fun and learned so much at Police Academy.”
One highlight was a visit to Mount Vernon City Hall, where the students learned how city government operates, explored how different departments work together to serve residents, and participated in a question-and-answer session with city staff. The experience also gave the students an opportunity to learn about careers in municipal government and the many ways people contribute to their community.
“Through these experiences, Chase was able to learn valuable lessons about leadership, responsibility, teamwork, service, and civic engagement,” said Our Lady of Victory principal Dr. Helena Castilla-Byrne. “We are very proud of Chase for taking advantage of this opportunity and for representing Our Lady of Victory School as he begins his sixth-grade year.”
The Mount Vernon Police Youth Police Academy takes place over two weeks in August and is run through the Mount Vernon Police Training Division under the supervision of Detective David Clarke. The program’s mission is to offer young people the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn about law enforcement, develop teamwork, and create lasting connections with the Mount Vernon Police Department.