Virginia Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program

Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photos by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Rick Ward, 3rd District Vice Commander of Virginia, points out details as the cadets visit the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Rick Ward, 3rd District Vice Commander of Virginia, points out details as the cadets visit the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Cadets visit the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Cadets visit the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
After visiting the Virginia War Memorial, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Virginia Executive Mansion, and meet Virginia's First Lady, Pamela Northam in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018.
After visiting the Virginia War Memorial, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Virginia Executive Mansion, and meet Virginia's First Lady, Pamela Northam in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018.
After visiting the Virginia War Memorial, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Virginia Executive Mansion, and meet Virginia's First Lady, Pamela Northam in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018.
After visiting the Virginia War Memorial, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Virginia Executive Mansion, and meet Virginia's First Lady, Pamela Northam in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, June 28, 2018.
For lunch, Youth Cadets from across the state of Virginia gather at ​Maj. Charles A. Ransom American Legion Post 186 in Midlothian, Va., a tradition the post has carried on for the last several years.
For lunch, Youth Cadets from across the state of Virginia gather at ​Maj. Charles A. Ransom American Legion Post 186 in Midlothian, Va., a tradition the post has carried on for the last several years.
Here, the cadets watch a demonstration by Hero, one of the K-9's of the state police.
Here, the cadets watch a demonstration by Hero, one of the K-9's of the state police.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Youth from across the state of Virginia gather in Richmond, Va., at the Virginia State Police Academy to experience a little bit of what the academy is like, and see if a career in law enforcement is something they would like to pursue. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden, who spent 20 years with the Navy, and has spent 15 years with the Law Cadet program, works with the students on military drill and marching in preparation of their graduation ceremony.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden, who spent 20 years with the Navy, and has spent 15 years with the Law Cadet program, works with the students on military drill and marching in preparation of their graduation ceremony.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden, who spent 20 years with the Navy, and has spent 15 years with the Law Cadet program, works with the students on military drill and marching in preparation of their graduation ceremony.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden, who spent 20 years with the Navy, and has spent 15 years with the Law Cadet program, works with the students on military drill and marching in preparation of their graduation ceremony.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden salutes a cadet as a part of the graduation ceremony, after they performed marching and movements to a crowd of proud parents.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden salutes a cadet as a part of the graduation ceremony, after they performed marching and movements to a crowd of proud parents.
The cadets march into the gymnasium, tracked by cell phone cameras from family members, for their graduation ceremony.
The cadets march into the gymnasium, tracked by cell phone cameras from family members, for their graduation ceremony.
Virginia Department Commander Thomas E Lee III gives remarks to the youth and families in attendance during the graduation ceremony.
Virginia Department Commander Thomas E Lee III gives remarks to the youth and families in attendance during the graduation ceremony.
The cadets are presented a certificate from Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, during the graduation ceremony.
The cadets are presented a certificate from Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, during the graduation ceremony.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden laughs alongside a fellow trooper after joking with cadets after they exited the stage.
Senior Trooper M.S. Walden laughs alongside a fellow trooper after joking with cadets after they exited the stage.
Mark and Laura Nothers hug their daughter Lydianna following the conclusion of her week with the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.
Mark and Laura Nothers hug their daughter Lydianna following the conclusion of her week with the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.
Andrea Fronjosa, center, and Claudia LeBoeuf, left, share stories about their week with their families.
Andrea Fronjosa, center, and Claudia LeBoeuf, left, share stories about their week with their families.