Criminal Justice Students Earn Certifications
The 2017 Criminal Justice Class of the Career and Technical Education Program at Heights High.
May 25, 2017 -- Twelve 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.
The school’s Career and Technical Education program includes the OPOTA certified academy, taught by Commander Johnnie Lemons, retired Ohio State Patrol trooper.
The OPOTA certification qualifies students for employment in private security companies. Additional certifications earned by the students are: CPR, first aid, automated external defibrillator and 12 sections of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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.
The 15 students in the senior class will attend college, work at a security company or enter the armed forces.
While the certifications and academic achievement earned in the program are noteworthy, the relationships that are forged and nourished in the program make student success possible. The student produced newsletter includes comments from each senior about their experience in the program.
Class president Nih'Jiel Jones’s comments are representative of the class, he said, “This program has taught me about adaptability in the classroom and in the work place and how to be prepared. It kept me motivated. If it weren’t for Commander Lemons and my classmates, I’m not sure what I would be doing. This class is like a family for me and I love them.”
Many students in the program are also involved in community programs that support their criminal justice studies. These include: Ohio State Highway Patrol Cadet Week, US Customs and Border Protection Explorer Program, Boys Take Action and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Legal Academy.
Another strong community connection for the program is the Officer Jason West Scholarship.
After Cleveland Heights Officer Jason West was killed in the line of duty, community members created an annual two year memorial scholarship for a student in the program.
The 2017 recipients are David McKenzie II and Christopher Smith, center, L-R.
Lita Gonzolez (L) is the community coordinator of the scholarship program.
Cleveland Heights Officer Sean Hinkle attended the Senior Awards Ceremony on May 24 for the presentation of the scholarships.
Criminal Justice Program Seniors and their Destinations
Monee’ Carstarpen: University of Toledo, major in criminal justice
Brittany Carter: Tri-C, major in criminal justice
Armand Conner: Tri-C, major in fire safety
Tynaija Debardelaben: Tri-C, major in criminal justice
Meikalah Harris: Tri-C, major in criminal justice
Nih’Jiel Jones: employed at private security company, will enter the US Air Force
Kashaunta Lowe: tri-C, major in criminal justice
David McKenzie: Tri-C, major in criminal justice
Marcell McIntosh: US Navy
Jordan Merritt: University of Akron, major in criminal justice
Devounte Miller: will enter the US Army
Shaniya Shepard: Cleveland State University, major in criminal justice
Christopher Smith: Cleveland State University, major in criminal justice
Tah’ja Turner: University of Akron, major in physical therapy
Bayllie Vaughn: ROTC at Cleveland State University then will enter the US Air Force