“Learning those leadership skills, learning that you know we're there for each other and that we can get through it together, I think was the biggest takeaway. Leaning on the people that you have is well worth it in the end.”
At Francis Tuttle Technology Center, learning goes far beyond the classroom as students engage in hands-on learning opportunities both on and off campus. For five current Criminal Justice students from the Rockwell and Reno Campuses, one of these opportunities was the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s 51st Cadet Lawman Academy.
More than 100 incoming high school seniors were selected for the prestigious program, which provides a firsthand look at various aspects of law enforcement. It is held each summer at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma.
Isabell Strange, who attends Edmond Santa Fe High School as an online student, and Madison Townsend, who goes to Edmond North High School, were two of the Francis Tuttle representatives.
“I didn't even know Cadet Lawman was a thing until my instructor told us about it,” Strange said. “It was a challenge. … You are pushed beyond your limits in the best way possible. I almost gave up on myself I don't even know how many times, but I had a team and troopers behind me, cheering me on, telling me that I could do it. I pushed myself, and I'm really glad I did, because it was a great, great experience.”
The week was packed with experiences as students learned more about flying planes, patrolling lakes, driving patrol cars, and more. Students also participated in daily classroom instruction and visited the VA Medical Center and Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Both Strange and Townsend emphasized the strong connections formed with their fellow platoon members and the state troopers, gaining friends and mentors.
Strange and Townsend also walked away with additional leadership skills and a new perspective on the value of teamwork. Strange recalled a moment where cadets were doing bear crawls across the lawn. When she finished, she turned around and saw people struggling. Everyone ran back, got down, and helped their peers cross the finish line.
“It shows that doing things alone isn’t always the best option,” Strange said. “When you have a team supporting you, do those things with your team and lean on your team because they lean on you. ... Learning those leadership skills, learning that you know we're there for each other and that we can get through it together, I think was the biggest takeaway. Leaning on the people that you have is well worth it in the end.”
When Strange and Townsend started at Francis Tuttle, they knew they were interested in criminal justice careers, and the program has helped them determine the direction they want to go in the field. They both mentioned how supportive their instructor, Jonathan Wells, has been and how he helps students explore the different opportunities in the field. For example, when students ask if they can have a guest speaker from a specific area, he does his best to make that happen.
Strange and Townsend have already earned multiple certifications, including C.L.E.E.T Unarmed Security Guard, FEMA, and F.A.A. Part 107 License to be able to fly drones. They are also members of the National Technical Honor Society and SkillsUSA, where they’ve both taken on officer roles and grown as leaders.
After graduation, Strange plans to work in the communications section for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol before studying forensics and psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. Townsend is applying to four colleges, with her top choice being the University of Georgia. She wants to major in psychology and minor in criminal justice and become an analyst. Both have the same long-term goal of joining the FBI.
“Attending Francis Tuttle is such a great way to meet new people,” Townsend shared. “It is incredible, and you get so many experiences. You get to talk to people in your field. We bring in officers, people who drive, people who fly drones. Our instructor said we might have an FBI agent or analyst coming in at some point. It is such a good way to kind of push you in the direction you want to go in your career.”