Several Bonner Springs High School students put their classroom education to the test this week, participating in the Kansas Skills USA Criminal Justice competition.
Skills USA is a national organization serving high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations.
This year, the Skills USA Kansas Chapter added a criminal justice program to the competition. Twelve BSHS students competed, testing their knowledge of the criminal justice system and law enforcement skills.
Each student was given a written exam, judged on their interview skills, and asked to simulate a domestic violence call, a traffic stop and a terry stop.
Justin Howe, BSHS social studies teacher and Criminal Justice Club sponsor, said the students trained for the competition with a Bonner Springs alumnus.
“School Resource Officer Anthony Davis spent a lot of time working with the students,” Howe said. “He helped prepare them for the competition, and it really showed.”
Deputies from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office judged the event.
Two BSHS students, Blake McMahan and Wayne Cornwell, were among the top three finishers. An award ceremony is planned for April 24 in Wichita where the winner will be announced.
The state champion will qualify to compete this summer in the Skills USA National Championship in Louisville, Ky.