Summer Learning Expands Exposure to Criminal Justice Careers
Aug. 25, 2016 -- Seven seniors in the Criminal Justice program were busy this summer with internships and other learning experiences at the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Stephanie Tubbs Jones Legal Academy, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and the US Customs and Boarder Protection Explorer Program.
Four of the students, Devounte Miller-Casmon, Tah’je Turner, David McKenzie and Nih’jiel Jones (L-R) were invited to attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy’s Junior Cadet Week, June 26-30 at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus.
Thirty rising seniors from all over Ohio participated in training similar to the rigorous training that older cadets receive who enter the academy as citizens over 21 years of age. The cadets stayed in the academy dormitories.
The students talked about what they learned and their plans for the future:
Devounte Miller-Casmon: “I was impressed with dedication of the officers and how much they do to keep all of us safe,” he said. His goal is to work in a police department Canine Unit. “I’m interested in training dogs and partnering with them to serve others.”
Tah’je Turner: “The week was very structured and that taught me that I can be more organized and efficient in my life,” she said. “Those skills are already helping me this school year.” Her goal is to attend college and study social work or criminal justice. “I want to help people who are in trouble need to get on the right path.”
David McKenzie: “I really admired the team work and efficiency of the State Patrol,” he said. “We learned about how to work under pressure and to stay level headed.” David plans to attend Cleveland State University or Youngstown State University and study electrical engineering.
Nih’jiel Jones: “We met cadets who lived in places that are really different than Cleveland Heights. Many of the cadets lived on farms and small towns, some drove a tractor to school and fly small planes,” he said. “I was interested to learn about all the areas that the Highway patrol covers – aviation, SWAT team, bomb squad, homicide and investigation.” Nih’jiel plans to attend Notre Dame College after high school to earn his associates degree in Criminal Justice and then attend the Ohio State Patrol Academy. “I have always been interested in serving in the criminal justice field,” he continued.
Three students attended other summer programs:
Armand Conner attended a Boys Take Action two day clinic at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to learn about important social issues like sexual assault, human trafficking and domestic violence and ways to keep our community safe. The training included discussions, yoga, drumming, mask making and drama performances. The teen participants then worked with younger boys to help them learn about the issues and safety. After graduation Armand plans to attend college as he prepares for a career as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.
Armand Conner, Meikalah Harris and Chris Smith (L-R) attended summer programs that provided Criminal Justice focused learning experiences.
Meikalah Harris was selected to attend the two week Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Legal Academy at Case Western Reserve University. The students in the academy learned about the trial process with a Mock Trial as the culminating event. Additionally, Meikalah was awarded a two month paid internship at the Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, working with Judge A. Deane Buchanan. Meikalah plans to study criminal justice at Cleveland State University and attend law school.
Chris Smith was recently accepted into the US Customs and Boarder Protection Explorer Program. The students in the program participate in federal enforcement-related activities within the Customs Border Patrol at ports of entry and at Border Patrol sectors. The Explorers receive extensive training and on the job experience to help prepare them for a career in Law Enforcement. The weekly evening program is for students aged 14-21. Chris plans to attend a police academy after graduation and work as a police officer.
The Heights High Criminal Justice Program is part of the school’s Career and Technical Education offerings. The program is a two year double period class that prepares students for college, police academy, employment in private security firms and careers in many other criminal justice areas. Students graduate with college credits and several certifications, including the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy.
The Heights High academy commander is Johnnie Lemons, retired Ohio State Highway Patrol officer.