July 14, 2006

Lansing - At a graduation ceremony today, 40 teens from Benton Harbor completed the Michigan State Police’s week-long Michigan Youth Leadership Academy. The Michigan Youth Leadership Academy is designed to provide teen boys with an opportunity to learn leadership and decision-making skills, as well as build positive relationships with law enforcement officers.

"Programs like this change lives, one teen at a time," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). "These young men have the power to make a positive difference in their community and with the lessons they learned this week, they also have the knowledge and support needed to succeed."

During the academy, which was held at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing, the young men, ages 14 to 16, received lessons on leadership, responsible citizenship, respect, trust, health, community service and life-coping skills. The academy also included water safety, group workshops and discussions.

Officers from the MSP, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and the Benton Harbor Police Department participated in the academy.

The teens were chosen for the academy based on recommendations from school, community and law enforcement officials. The teens were required to complete an interview with a panel of law enforcement officers before being accepted into the academy.

MSP members conducted informational assemblies at middle schools, high schools and other community functions in Benton Harbor to introduce the concept of the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy. There is no cost for the teens to attend the week-long residential academy.

At the ceremony, the graduates were addressed by keynote speaker Chief Allen Mingo of the Benton Harbor Police Department, as well as Col. Peter C. Munoz; Dr. Randall R. Miller, President of Lake Michigan College; Mr. Jeff Noel, Vice President of Communication & Public Affairs for the Whirlpool Corporation; Mr. Greg Roberts, Director of the Governor’s Community and Faith Based Initiatives Office; Mayor Wilce Cooke of the City of Benton Harbor; and Sheriff Paul Bailey and Chief Dep. Samuel Harris of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.