August 25, 2006

Saginaw - At a graduation ceremony today at Delta Community College, 26 Saginaw teens completed the Michigan State Police’s week-long Michigan Youth Leadership Academy.  The Michigan Youth Leadership Academy is designed to provide young men 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, Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department and the Saginaw City 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 Saginaw 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 Judge Fay Harrison of the 10^th District Family Court, as well as Col. Peter C. Munoz; Dr. Jean Goodnow, Delta Community College; Mr. Greg Roberts, Director of the Governor’s Community and Faith Based Initiatives Office; Mayor Carol Cottrell, City of Saginaw; Dr. Gerald Dawkins, Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools; Dr. Cheryl Plettenberg, Director of the Saginaw County Department of Public Health Substance Abuse & Prevention Services; Arthur W. O’Neal II, Chief of Security Saginaw Public Schools District; Chief Gerald Cliff, Saginaw City Police Department; Sheriff Charles Brown, Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department; and Michael Thomas, Saginaw County Prosecuting Attorney.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.