Cadet Program grads noted

At a ceremony Thursday, 12 current Albany High School students and one 2023 graduate were recognized for completing a program that shows them, first hand, what it’s like to be a police officer.

The students took part in the five-week Cadet Program through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program. As cadets, they worked with members of the Albany Police Department, where they rode with officers on calls and got classroom lessons in forensics, criminal investigations and more from officers, detectives, attorneys and others. They also participated in team-building and leadership development exercises.

The cadets received certificates from Officer Corey Johnson and School Resource Officer Nick Schuler. Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins also were on hand for the ceremony, which was held in the Albany High auditorium. 

Congratulations to sophomore Thomas Batcher, freshman AJ Bell, sophomore Jahcory Coles, senior Naja’hry Coles, sophomore Elicia DaCruz, senior Armani Fernandez, freshman Najeh Gause, senior James Hardage, 2023 grad Biak Hnem, senior Richard Latimer, senior Tania Loja Caguana, sophomore Mikaylah Sturgis and sophomore Cameron Volk.