American Legion Student Trooper Program

by Bobby Blair 3/31/11

American Legion Student Trooper Program

Four local High School students are headed to the American Legion Student Trooper Program this summer.

High School freshmen Andrew Ballenger and Jordan Paecht along with juniors Adam Vernon (pictured below ) and Craig Miller will attend the American Legion's Student Trooper Program in New Braintree this summer according to local American Legion Commander Stephen Napolitano.

 
The American Legion, Department of Massachusetts, Inc. sponsors a “Student Trooper Program” in cooperation with the Massachusetts State Police Academy every year.

Our desire is to recruit youths representing all communities and cultural backgrounds and to increase their understanding of the job of police officers. The program is designed to expose young adults to the demands of police training and to develop better relationships between the youth of our communities and the police that serve them.

The Student Trooper program is an intensive, one week, residential learning experience for young adults, ages 15 thru 17. The program is held at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree.

The Student Trooper program is not a summer camp and is not designed for troubled teenagers. The program is mentally and physically demanding. The Massachusetts State Police Academy uses a paramilitary approach to training, and discipline is strict. Vigorous physical training, including running and calisthenics, is required. Reveille is at 5:30 AM and “lights out” is at 10:00 PM. Candidates should be highly motivated and willing to work as a team to succeed in daily challenges.

Veteran Massachusetts State Police trainers will provide classroom and hands-on training in topics such as First Aid/CPR, Criminal Law, Officer Safety, Crime Scene Investigations, Safe Driving, Leadership, Internet Safety, Team Building, and Physical Fitness.  Student Troopers will also observe and participate in demonstrations by members of State Police specialty units such as tactical teams, the K-9 Unit, and the Air Wing.

Student Troopers who graduate from the program will be proud of their accomplishments. The lessons learned will serve them well for years to come.

There are two separate sessions of the 2011 Student Trooper program. Week one is July 11 to July 15. The second week is July 25 to July 29. There is tremendous demand for this program, and space is limited to 100 students for each session. Please submit your applications in a timely manner.

Applications will be accepted from April 1, 2011 to April 29, 2011.

Qualifications:

The program is open to male and female high school students 15 – 17 years of age in good scholastic standing. They must be of good moral character and present a well-groomed appearance with hair neatly trimmed (males must be clean shaven).

Due to the rigorous training and stress involved in a para-military-type academy, those requiring special diets or having special physical needs cannot be accepted.  The “Student Trooper Program” is open to all, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin.

All participants will be required to submit proof of good physical and mental condition.

Two slots remain open for local students. Applications can be obtained at the Holliston High School Guidance Office. The program is sponsored and paid for by the local Charles F. Duford Post 47 American Legion. Student Trooper Legion chairman is Bobby Blair who can be contacted at 508-429-6763. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Posted in HHS.

Comment on this article | E-mail this article