$10K in scholarships raised for junior police
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - The boys and girls in blue are now seeing green as the Junior Police Academy Scholarship Foundation hosted a recognition dinner to celebrate about $10,000 being raised in support of its cadets.

The quasi-military style program began in 2004, with participants learning what law enforcement officers do, including marching, squad formation, Constitutional law, fingerprinting, arson and fire safety, CPR and first aid, arrests, crime scene investigation and traffic safety. The scholarship component was added just a few months ago, thus far raising money, including a $5,000 donation from Wal-Mart, to help offset higher education costs of graduating high school seniors. The foundation held a "Coming Out Party" and awards ceremony at the Ramada Inn on Route 1 on July 12.

"It was an exciting get-together for the first time around," said trustee Nancy Glover-Warren. "We're so very proud of the cadets and we're so happy to have the Police Department here ... and we're looking forward to working with them to better the Junior Police Academy and to raise money for the cadets. We're really, really overwhelmed with a lot of happiness tonight. It was very successful and we look forward to having many more."

During the dinner, foundation executive member Adam Cruz spoke of the leadership roles the child acquire during these exercises. He said he himself came to the United States at age 14 with his seven siblings, living in the worst part of Newark. Yet he graduated from an urban school system and went on to earn a degree in environmental planning and got involved with politics.

"With you kids being here, you kids have the greatest opportunities ... so you guys can be leaders in your own communities," he said. "The kids actually are our leaders. We have 12-year-olds who are already becoming part of this township by being leaders."

He said that society tends to view police officers as the enemy but that the Junior Police Academy teaches youth otherwise, and it is their mission to spread the truth.

Daniel Lyles, who will be serving his fourth term in the academy, agreed that policemen are often plagued by misconceptions.

"I think this program actually does help people and show people the difference between right and wrong and shows what cops do and how difficult life is," Lyles said.

He said that teaching teenagers about what a day is like in the life of an officer helps give perspective to a young generation.

"Not only does this occupy you during the summer but it also keeps people out of trouble ... or from just sitting at home, watching TV. We have fun at the academy and we learn some new things," he said.

However, not everything is taken so seriously. Christina Losito, who will be attending for her second year, said last year was a good experience learning discipline, playing games and watching videos.

"You get to meet new people and it's really fun and it's a good experience learning everything," she said.

The scholarship component was implemented by parent Gena Davis, who wanted to offer assistance to volunteers who did not have straight A's. However, the funding has been an unnecessary incentive, as students have been interested since day one.

"The kids are tremendous when you see them around headquarters, doing the things they're doing, and the relationship they're building with the police officers is great," Police Director Kenneth McCormick said. "I know [the scholarship foundation] has been very hard to get off the ground but it looks like it is going to be a success."

To earn a scholarship, members must have served at least three consecutive years in the academy, have a C average or better, attend 85 percent of local events held in the township and be going on to further their education after high school graduation.

"We pretty much have a good time with the kids over the summer. They're the reason we do this," said Police Detective Kenneth Bongiovanni, who coordinates the program. "I get pleasure when they turn out to be good teenagers and adults. It's really nice to help them along through their teenage years, which are tough. I hope some day I can see some of these kids in the police department - that would make me really proud."

This year's academy will be held from Aug. 13-24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Linwood Middle School in order to accommodate the 30 cadets who are participating.

Additional donations can be made out to the Junior Police Academy Scholarship Foundation and can be mailed to P.O. Box 7195, North Brunswick 08902.