Students graduate from WV Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy

GLENVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — Even though the week of miscellaneous adventures may have come to an end for cadets of the West Virginia Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy, this is only the beginning of their endeavors within the field of law enforcement.

On Friday, the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association held a graduation ceremony for the 61 cadets enrolled in this year’s Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy held at Glenville State University.

Freshman to senior high school students within the program came from 19 counties across the state and stayed on Glenville’s campus for a week where they learned the basics of anti-bullying, drug awareness and the importance of being respectful citizens.

Cadets also had the opportunity to participate in various activities like mock trials, skeet shooting and CPR training. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department even assisted with bomb demonstrations, allowing students to see the action firsthand.

12 News spoke with Dave Gosa, Lewis County Sheriff and academy commandant on the significance of offering this program to high school students.

“It’s a very good camp, it’s very worthwhile. A lot of kids take something home after being here, they’ve learned something. A lot of these kids, they plan on a career in law enforcement so it’s a win-win situation for the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association who puts this camp on,” said Gosa.

This is the 94th year of the academy’s existence and the second held on Glenville State University’s campus.

The graduation ceremony began on Friday with cadets marching and yelling calls from their dorms and into the auditorium where awards and completion certificates were distributed.

Applications typically open for the Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy at the start of the year and can be found on the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association website .

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