The 41 teens who opted to spend a week at the State Highway Patrol’s summer camp learned to push their mental and physical boundaries.
One student said, “I learned more in this week than I have in my 18 years in school.”
The 22 nd Student Trooper Program started Sunday, June 14 and ended Friday, June 19 with a graduation program. Each day, the summer camp started at 5 a.m. with physical training and ended at 10 p.m. with lights out.
Trooper B.C. Porter from Troop A, Morehead City, was the training commandant for the class, his fifth year of working in this program sponsored by the American Legion. He said most of the teens already know they want to join the military or law enforcement. Others discover this is not the job for them. Past graduates are now working for sheriffs’ departments, the State Bureau of Investigation, the military or some other branch of law enforcement. About 40 have chosen to become State Highway Patrol troopers.
During the week, the students had a similar regimen as SHP cadets – just a shortened version. They spent time on the SHP driving track, had classes in defensive tactics, and learned how to make a bed properly.
“We teach manners,” Porter said. “Yes, sir, no sir, yes mam, no mam. The change we see from Sunday to Friday is absolutely amazing. I think this program is one of the best things the State Highway Patrol offers outside of regular patrol duties.”
One of the students, Lauren Hicks of Raleigh, said she wanted to challenge herself so she “job shadowed” Sgt. Joe Bright before choosing to enroll in the summer camp. “I want to go into the Marines and be a military police officer,” Hicks said. At the start of the class, with trainers yelling and being strict, Hicks questioned if she really did want to go into the Marines. “It (the class) really was a reality check. It pushed me mentally and physically. It really opened my eyes.”
She survived the class and still wants to serve her country.
Student McKinnly Gourley of Eden said her JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) Army instructor recommended she take the Student Trooper Program. She thought she was prepared, but she said it was terrifying at first. “It pushed me more than I thought. My heart was beating fast – I was scared and instantly thought, ‘I don’t want to be here.’ I’m so proud that I stuck through the yelling and push-ups. It brought me up and gave me encouragement. Now, I am mentally prepared for anything.”
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| Samuel Young of Clyde, McKinnly Gourley of Eden and Lauren Hicks of Raleigh attended the 22nd Student Trooper Program June 14-19. |
Samuel Young lives beside Trooper Travis Crisp in Clyde (Haywood County). He plans to be a district attorney, a judge or a state trooper. As a high school wrestler, he was prepared for the teamwork. The part he enjoyed the most was getting to know the troopers whenever he had a chance to sit down and talk with them. He said people don’t see behind the scenes at all that troopers do besides patrol the highways.
As for the Student Trooper Program, Young said the yelling never bothered him, and he understood that the discipline had a purpose. He thought the PT was the worst part, and that eating in silence and not being allowed to look around was difficult.
“When it first got started, no one was laughing. If one person got in trouble, we all got in trouble,” Young said, noting that the students were much more at ease now with each other. “Even through the yelling and the PT, it’s been fun.”
Trooper Robert Dennis said he enjoyed watching the change in the students that took place during the week. On Friday, trainers reinforced some key points.
“Remember, if you don’t remember anything else,” Dennis told the class, “that being respectful will get you a long way.”
Trooper J.L. Pointer asked the teens to be respectful to their parents. “Hold yourself accountable for what you do – have your own back.” He added, “Everyone with a badge is out to help, not hurt. We are here to protect and serve, and hopefully you’ll want to pursue that.”
The teens were taught that no one is elite or better than another. One person may excel in something, but another person will excel in something different.
Trooper P.S. Williams told the students, “I believe in every last one of you.”
Trooper Porter said, You can’t ever go wrong by being respectful. From janitor to U.S. President – just be the best you can be.”
The students had their turn to express what they had learned from the week of training:
“I’ve been through other training programs, but this one is legitimate – the best there is.”
“Outstanding – I learned teamwork is everything.”
“It opened my eyes to the person I really am.”
“The only thing that limits you is your mind.”
“People say you can do what you want to do – this proved it.”
“Always push yourself and be comfortable with the people around you.”
“Learned how to have no comfort zones.”
“Don’t ever leave anyone in the ditch.”
“Always push yourself – never give up.”
“To adapt to my environment and keep your head up.”
“Never give up, teamwork is everything and everything is in your head.”
“Push yourselves beyond the boundaries of your mind.”
“Always give 110%.”
“Don’t put yourself above somebody else and don’t put yourself below somebody.”
Trooper Porter told the group, “Once you get over the wall, there’s nothing you can’t be.
The nationally-recognized service organization, the American Legion, provided tuition for the students, covering the cost of uniforms, class room text books and three meals a day.
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