The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has singled out standout young graduates from their annual Youth Recruit Academy. The program brought 37 high school students in for a five-day glimpse into the physical challenges and everyday scenarios associated with being a police officer. “It builds their confidence and their courage. A lot of youth are scared to approach police officers, and this gives them the opportunity to have us one-on-one for an entire week,” Const. Tiffany Rose said. For the first time in the academy’s 12-year history, one high school student has won two out of the five available awards. Rose says 18-year-old Jelena Stout was recognized for both her physical ability and mental perseverance. “It was a natural skill that she exhibited. She’s a leader amongst her peers, she was confident. She basically took the reins with the class, and encouraged everybody,” Rose said. “She just stood out. It’s the first time we’ve ever had one participant get two awards. She was actually on deck for three, but we thought we should share.” Stout said the recognition she received was a “huge honour.” “This experience has meant so much to me. I think we all come in as individuals and collab and become a unit and a team,” she said at the graduation ceremony on Friday. “The people I’ve met, the bonds I’ve made, the friendships I’ve made – those are going to last a very long time.” Sixteen-year-old Cameron Ferguson, who also completed the program, said the program’s rigorous physical training was “all mental.” “You can do it. You (have to) think you can. You want to quit … But keep pushing through, and you’ll make it,” he said. He also credits the EPS youth recruit academy for the opportunity to learn more about interacting with police and what they do: “That’s not very common for someone my age.” And he definitely understands why Stout snagged two awards. “She brought up her teammates. She was always encouraging. It didn’t matter who it was. She was always there. No matter if she was tired,” he said. The Youth Recruit Academy is funded by the Edmonton Police Foundation.
