Four T. C. Williams High School seniors completed their secondary education recently as part of the Senior Experience program at the Alexandria Sheriffs Office.
They participated in a week-long event studying the various responsibilities of the Sheriffs Office.
Each were given a day at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy where they learned to drive a sheriffs vehicle at high speed in pursuit. They also learned about physical and mental fitness and attended Alexandrias courts, viewing trials and learning about courtroom security.
They also performed on-site activities at the citys jail. The session was a first-hand look at the booking desk and transferring inmates to various jail facilities and watching deputies manage the prisoner units.
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne applauded the program.
The Senior Experience is a wonderful three week-long enrichment activity for graduating seniors who have expressed an interest in pursuing Criminal Justice as a career, he said. We are proud of our partnership with the T. C. Williams community and look forward to hosting students again next year.
Chief Deputy Lenny George coordinated the seniors program in cooperation with T.C. Williams High School and other city agencies. Participants included T.C. seniors Dylan Lemley, Anthony Parker, Taylor Sinclair and Mallory Lawhorne.
One of the highlights included taking the students to the Corporal Charles R. Hill Firing Range. Under the watchful eyes of instructors Deputy Eric Murray and Deputy Chris ODell, they spent a Friday afternoon learning to properly handle firearms.
Following 45-minute classroom instruction, each of the students were shown the firing range and learned how to place their targets. Then, individually, they shot 20 rounds of 40 caliber bullets in Glock pistols, first from five yards and then from 10 yards.
Deputies Murray and ODell carefully guided them through the practice rounds. Each graduating senior, after firing several practice rounds, scored bulls-eyes in the target, breathing sighs of relief from five yards away. When they attempted the targets from 10 yards, each shot multiple bulls-eyes.
