 Members of the fall 2010 graduating class at SWTJC’s Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy include: (front, l-r) Annette Elizondo, Carlos Franco, Angel Lira, Raymond Garza, Antonio Alejandro, Hector Hernandez, Jason Woolf, (middle) guest speaker Derek Sandoval, instructor Mike Leavene, Michael Moss, Mario Vargas, Alex Barrientos, Rudy Rangel, Sarah Faith, Leonel Gonzalez, academy coordinator Lloyd Dragoo, (back) Feliciano San Miguel, Greg Villa, Derek Reagan, Ismael Mendoza, Louis Landry, Angel Cervantes and Daniel Flores. |
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Academy recognizes fall 2010 graduates The most academically successful class in academy history was honored Tuesday, Dec. 7, during graduation ceremonies for the SWTJC Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy. A total of 20 cadets received certificates upon successful completion of the 700-hour basic peace officer training course. Graduates include Antonio G. Alejandro, III, Alexandro J. Barrientos, Angel De Jesus Cervantes, Annette Rae Elizondo, Daniel John Flores, Sarah Faith, Carlos R. Franco, Ramon Garza, Leonel Gonzalez and Hector M. Hernandez. Also, Louis G. Landry, Jr., Angel R. Leija, Ismael Mendoza, Jr., Michael A. Moss, Rodolfo R. Rangel, Derek J. Reagan, Feliciano San Miguel, Mario Vargas, Gregory P. Villa and Jason A. Woolf. According to academy coordinator Lloyd Dragoo, Class Charlie 10 had the highest average on the state licensing exam in the 34-year history of the academy. "The class average on the 250-question state exam was 90 and that is the highest in the history of this academy," Dragoo said. "In addition, cadet Derek Reagan scored a 95, and that is the highest individual score we’ve ever had recorded." In his remarks to the graduates, Dragoo commended the group for their hard work over the past four months. "Your graduation today is testimony to your commitment, self-discipline, hard work and resilience," Dragoo said. "It has been my privilege to train and get to know these fine young men and women, and I wish them all continued success as they begin their careers as Texas peace officers." Derek Sandoval, chair of the kinesiology department at SWTJC, was guest speaker at the recent graduation ceremony. Sandoval congratulated the cadets on their successful completion of the class and for choosing a career in law enforcement. "Congratulations for the courage you have shown, for taking on the responsibility you have accepted and for stepping out into a world of uncertainty," Sandoval said. Class president Hector Hernandez also addressed his classmates and the large gathering of family and friends in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom. "Four months ago we were total strangers, but we have learned to put our differences aside and work together," Hernandez said. "I think we all motivated each other to do our best and I am very thankful for that." Academy instructor Mike Leavene served as master of ceremonies and SWTJC instructor J.J. Suarez presented awards and certificates. Prior to the awarding of certificates to individual graduates, top student awards were presented including: valedictorian, highest academic average and best baton qualification score, Derek Reagan; best firearms qualification score, Angel R. Leija; and best driving course qualification score, Ismael Mendoza, Jr. Other top student awards were presented to Louis Landry, best baton qualification score; Antonio Gomez Alejandro, III, best final physical fitness test score; and Feliciano San Miguel, best mechanics of arrest qualification score. Academy instructors and SWTJC Workforce Training and Development Director Romelia Aranda presented certificates of completion to each graduate. The basic peace officer training course at SWTJC consists of 700 hours of instruction, both "hands on" as well as classroom, covering all the requirements of the State of Texas for the licensing of a peace officer. Applications are now being accepted for spring law enforcement day
and night academies in Uvalde and Eagle Pass. Classes
will begin in January.
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