The sixth annual Youth Trooper Academy is being held at the Mickelson Law Enforcement Training Center in Pierre. It is sponsored by the Highway Patrol and the South Dakota American Legion.
Academy participants were selected by representatives from the Highway Patrol and American Legion. Most of those chosen are high school juniors or seniors.
Beadle County resident Eryn Schlotte is among those who was selected to attend.
Students attending the Youth Trooper Academy will experience the same training as required for Highway Patrol recruits. The high school students will participate in classroom and hands-on training in areas such as firearms safety, defensive driving, crash investigation, traffic stops, leadership and citizenship. Each day, the academy recruits have a flag raising ceremony at 7:45 a.m. and also will be required to properly make their beds and keep their rooms clean.
Also during the week, the Youth Trooper Academy participants will do a community service project. They will be painting at PAWS Animal Rescue in Pierre.
Academy activities begin Monday, June 26, and end with a graduation ceremony on Friday, July 1.