Police Teach Leadership
This afternoon, 35 young people graduated from the Gulfport Police Department’s Leadership Academy.
Christin Barnes is going into the eighth grade and he admits to News 25 before going through Leadership Academy, he had behavioral problems in school. The officers he spent the past few weeks learning from helped him realize, not only the difference between work and play, but how to control his emotions and work problems out constructively. “I just encourage myself every single day to wake up in a good attitude, so my attitude can affect others.”
The eight week course, coordinated by school resource officers, aimed to equip these young people with life skills needed to become future leaders. Topics included self-esteem, attitude, and CPR training. Today, 35 students graduated with all those skills at their fingertips.
Officer James Griffin, program facilitator, said, “I’m proud to be a part of this village because it does take a village to raise kids and all of us are excited about it.”
A number of the students today News 25, although their parents made them participate, they’re glad they did because, not only did they walk away with a certificate, they walked away with skills to help them in life.
John Jenkins, Leadership Academy graduate, said, “It taught me to be a better leader. I always knew I could be a good leader, but this showed me I could be better at leading people, influencing people who are around me.”
Both John Jenkins and Christin Barnes plan on going into the military. Not only did the two boys acquire leadership skills that will be valuable in the Armed Forces, but part of the program included practicing military drills, such as standing in formation or standing at attention. “These are skills that you need in the military. So, I’ll have a leg up on everybody else who goes in,” said John Jenkins.
And whether it was learning how to deal with cyber-bullying or marching in line, all those who earned a certificate this afternoon also walked away with at least one skill they can use to better themselves and their community.
Christin Barnes tells News 25, while he didn’t go to the Leadership Academy on the first day; he liked it and plans on going again next year.
Christin Barnes is going into the eighth grade and he admits to News 25 before going through Leadership Academy, he had behavioral problems in school. The officers he spent the past few weeks learning from helped him realize, not only the difference between work and play, but how to control his emotions and work problems out constructively. “I just encourage myself every single day to wake up in a good attitude, so my attitude can affect others.”
The eight week course, coordinated by school resource officers, aimed to equip these young people with life skills needed to become future leaders. Topics included self-esteem, attitude, and CPR training. Today, 35 students graduated with all those skills at their fingertips.
Officer James Griffin, program facilitator, said, “I’m proud to be a part of this village because it does take a village to raise kids and all of us are excited about it.”
A number of the students today News 25, although their parents made them participate, they’re glad they did because, not only did they walk away with a certificate, they walked away with skills to help them in life.
John Jenkins, Leadership Academy graduate, said, “It taught me to be a better leader. I always knew I could be a good leader, but this showed me I could be better at leading people, influencing people who are around me.”
Both John Jenkins and Christin Barnes plan on going into the military. Not only did the two boys acquire leadership skills that will be valuable in the Armed Forces, but part of the program included practicing military drills, such as standing in formation or standing at attention. “These are skills that you need in the military. So, I’ll have a leg up on everybody else who goes in,” said John Jenkins.
And whether it was learning how to deal with cyber-bullying or marching in line, all those who earned a certificate this afternoon also walked away with at least one skill they can use to better themselves and their community.
Christin Barnes tells News 25, while he didn’t go to the Leadership Academy on the first day; he liked it and plans on going again next year.
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