NHS's Doak among 46th American Legion Cadet Patrol Academy graduates
Nevada Daily Mail
Olivia Doak was chosen to attend the 46th Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy during the week of May 31 through June 5 in Jefferson City.
Olivia was sponsored by the local Nevada American Legion Post. She was one of only 39 students to be chosen from Missouri for this program.
She also had to be recommended by the high school and a local police person -- Nevada School Safety Officer Sgt. Miller.
Olivia said she wants to continue this path after her upcoming senior year. Her plans are to attend the University of Central Missouri and major in criminal justice and pursue a career as a homicide detective.
"This career appeals to me because I believe the law is important, that no one is above the law," said Doak. "Police are here to serve and protect and most of all to enforce the law. I want to protect people and to make sure laws are followed. It is the only way to keep people safe."
She had a "great" experience, said her mother, Audra.
The American Legion Cadet Patrol Academy program began in 1971 in cooperation with the American Legion Department of Missouri.
The 2015 Cadet Patrol Academy included 39 young people ages 16-18 from throughout the state. To qualify for this unique program, the cadets must meet specific requirements and have a recommendation from a local American Legion post.
During the week, cadets participate in classroom instruction as well as hands-on training. Courses included the history of law enforcement, defensive driving techniques, motor vehicle laws, first aid, and personal defense. There is also a physical fitness aspect to this program.
"I learned that it takes a lot to become a police officer," said Doak. "There is a lot of multitasking involved and it takes a certain person to do this job and to do it well.
"When we went to the EVOC course where they train their personnel to handle a police car in high speed chases without hurting civilians, we had certain obstacles we had to do like going off a curb at high speeds to get around a car zig-zagging in the middle of the road to avoid any on-coming cars. We got to drive Dodge Chargers and it was a fun morning," she said of one of her favorite experiences at the camp.
The week is designed to show cadets what a Missouri State Highway Patrol recruit might experience during a typical week of training to become a trooper, noted Col. J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
"The underlying purpose of The Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy is to provide first-hand experience of the role of law enforcement in promoting and safe-guarding American freedoms and rights.
"It is hoped that the young men and women who participate in The Cadet Patrol Academy will develop favorable attitudes toward law enforcement and will help disseminate these attitudes throughout the community.
"The Academy gives our young people the opportunity to see law enforcement practices and concepts at their best."
More about Olivia Doak
"My dad, Gary Doak, is retired from the Army and now works as a pilot for PHI that works with LifeFlight Eagle in Harrisonville. My mom, Audra Doak, teaches at the middle school. My brother Alex Doak is in college at Wichita State."
Your hobbies
"I play tennis at school and I am in show choir. I love singing and hanging out with my friends."
Education background
Nevada High School -- "We moved to Nevada when I started sixth grade."
Honors, activities
NHS tennis, Show Choir (Treble Effects X 3 years and Vocal Fusion this coming year). "I have received an academic letter all three years in high school, and won Teacher's Choice award in 2014."
Church involvement
"My family attends First Presbyterian Church here in Nevada. I've gone on two mission trips with the youth group. Sometimes I attend church with my grandpa at First Baptist Church."