CiTi Public Safety and Justice students earn accolades

June 11, 2015 Submitted article

Seniors enrolled in the Public Safety and Justice program at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation were recently saluted for their efforts during a year-end recognition ceremony.

Charles Gabriel and Jim Garcia, Public Safety and Justice teachers at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation, present the Outstanding Officer Award to student Tracie Murphy.
Charles Gabriel and Jim Garcia, Public Safety and Justice teachers at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation, present the Outstanding Officer Award to student Tracie Murphy.

Throughout the school year, teachers Jim Garcia, Charles Gabriel and Mark Bender taught the students law enforcement, firefighting and EMS skills as part of hands-on learning.

According to Garcia, the aim was to instill discipline, work ethic and commitment in each student, and that goal was met, he said.

“We pushed them outside their comfort zone; we challenged them,” Garcia said. “It benefits them for us to challenge them and make them rise up to the challenge.”

For Public Safety and Justice students Tracie Murphy and Hunter Hilton, who served as captains in their respective classes, those challenges were rewarding.

Public Safety and Justice student Ashley Hatten receives the William T. Russell Wendell Award for enthusiasm and eagerness to learn during a recent ceremony. Teacher Charles Gabriel is pictured presenting the award.
Public Safety and Justice student Ashley Hatten receives the William T. Russell Wendell Award for enthusiasm and eagerness to learn during a recent ceremony. Teacher Charles Gabriel is pictured presenting the award.

The two were guest speakers during the ceremony, where they reflected on the class and congratulated their peers on their achievements.

“(This class) helped us realize just a small portion of the potential we possess,” Murphy said as she wished her classmates success in the future.

Garcia noted that the students’ potential was realized as they grew and accepted responsibilities and challenges during the year. To celebrate in that achievement and growth, several special awards were presented, including the Outstanding Officer Award, which was new this year.

Students enrolled in the Public Safety and Justice program at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation gather for a group photo prior to the year-end recognition ceremony held in the gymnasium at the Mexico CiTi campus.
Students enrolled in the Public Safety and Justice program at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation gather for a group photo prior to the year-end recognition ceremony held in the gymnasium at the Mexico CiTi campus.

“With rank comes responsibility,” Garcia said as he presented the award to Murphy. “There are certain things required every day and our class officers met those requirements. Tracie Murphy just went above and beyond what you would expect at this level. You have a brilliant mind for command. You have my respect.”

Other award-winners included Ashley Hatten (William T. Russell Wendell Award for enthusiasm and eagerness to learn); Travis Parkhurst and Tracie Murphy (Academic Achievement Award); Quinton Jackson and Jacob McRaney (Physical Training Award); and Max Lowery and Harold Smith (Most Improved Award).

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