April 18, 2018 -- Ten seniors in the Heights High Criminal Justice program received the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy (OPOTA) certification. Students also earned college credits from Tri-C and Bryant & Stratton College.

The certification qualifies students for employment in private security industry. Additional certifications earned by the students are: CPR, first aid, automated external defibrillator and 12 sections of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The school’s Career and Technical Education program includes the OPOTA certified academy, taught by Commander Johnnie Lemons, retired Ohio State Patrol trooper.

A partnership with Tri-C Community College and Bryant & Stratton College grants students up to 23 Tri-C credits and up to 19 Bryant & Stratton credits.

Mr. Lemons emphasizes eleven ‘Core Values’ in every aspect of the program: honesty, sense of urgency, team oriented, professionalism, adaptability, self-discipline, performance driven, officer safety, accountability and time management. 

Meet the 2018 OPOTA certified students and learn about their plans for life after graduation and read their comments about the Criminal Justice program:

Marie Carstarphen will attend Bowling Green State University in the fall to study criminal justice and is interested in becoming an investigator. “I have learned so much about how the criminal justice system actually works and how to implement the core values into my life.” 

Darryl Collins will attend Central State University in Dayton. This summer he will work in the security department at Tri-C. “I have learned so much about what it takes to be a police officer and the reality of that job. I appreciate earning the OPOTA certificate and focusing on the core values, especially learning time management and the importance of having a good attitude.”

 

Rashawn Creer will attend Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. He will continue his music studies there. “I was a troublemaker before! This class helped me develop self discipline and to not let problems become obstacles. Mr. Lemons has has a big impact on me and I appreciate that.”

 

Jumal Fisher will enter the Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman. He is proud to have earned a high score on the OPOTA test. “I appreciate the opportunity to be in this program, the guidance I received from Mr. Lemons and that I has learned to work hard for my goals.”

 

Jetayzia Lee will enter the Marine Corps and will be trained to be a Military Police officer. I enjoyed the bonds I built with the other students, Mr. Lemons and alumni. This class has opened my eyes to the reality of adulthood. It has taught me to seize opportunities when they are offered, take responsibility for my actions and self discipline.”

 

Kyle Mattox will attend Tri-C and work at Allied Universal security firm at Beachwood Mall. “I just learned so much in this program - how to dress professionally, to speak in public and to be on time. I also learned the value of developing a professional network.”

 

Tajah Simmons will attend the Tri-C/Cleveland State University Dual Admissions Program. “I have learned about the constitutional amendments, the main components of the judicial system and how to be a safe security officer. I have also learned to manage my time better, be more accountable for my actions and t practice self-discipline. 

 

Maya Sparks will attend Kent State University to study criminology and paralegal studies. She is the President of the class. “I hope to be a lawyer someday, I want to make my mother proud. I’ve learned what it takes to be successful and focus on the core values.”

 

Maya Stevenson will attend Shaw University in North carolina to study criminal justice. “This program has helped me develop my teamwork skills and generally, I am more mature because of this class.”

 

Armonni Whittiker hopes to enter the Navy and is working to finalize her plans. “This program taught me self-discipline. I learned to focus on my academics and to be accountable for my actions.”