Galveston College recognized the 13 graduates of its 31st Law Enforcement Academy on May 21 at a ceremony in the Abe and Annie Seibel Wing on the Galveston College campus.
Mary Pyle, director of the Law Enforcement Academy, served as master of ceremonies and introduced Galveston College President, Dr. Myles Shelton, who gave welcoming remarks to family and friends of the graduates. Dr. Shelton commended the work of the program instructors and the cadets and congratulated the graduates as they launched their careers.
Graduating cadet Eric Vela, who was the class valedictorian, spoke on behalf of the class and gave thanks to family members, instructors and Galveston College for the opportunity of attending the academy.
Chief Vernon Hale of the Galveston Police Department spoke as a representative of the law enforcement community and welcomed the graduates to the ranks of law enforcement service.
Graduating cadet Eric Vela spoke on behalf of the class and gave thanks to family members, instructors and Galveston College for the opportunity of attending the academy.
A presentation of special awards included the Top Gun award for the best marksmanship on the firing range by cadet Paulino Cisneros. The top academic achievement award went to Eric Vela.
Cadet Class 31 instructors included William Kilburn of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Barton Stephenson of Galveston College, Jacob Manuel of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and Ronald Phillips of Alvin Community College.
Graduates included Alexian Barnes, Paulino Cisneros, Veronica De La Garza, Roxanna Donowho, Jesse Ellisor, Barrington Hanna, James Mason, Corey Presley, Mario Reyes, Alan Sweis, Osvaldo Garcia, Eric Vela and Ryan Zuniga.
For more information on the Galveston College Law Enforcement Academy, contact Mary Pyle, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Academy program director at (409) 944-1331 or [email protected].
Students also can visit the office in Room 323 of the Mary Moody Northen Center on the Galveston College campus, 4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, Texas, or online at www.gc.edu/programs-and-courses/criminal-justice-law-enforcement/.
Above: Graduates of the 31st Law Enforcement Academy of Galveston College include (front row from left) Ryan Zuniga, Veronica De La Garza, Roxanna Donowho, (back row from left) Eric Vela, Alan Sweis, Mario Reyes, Corey Presley, James Mason, Barrington Hanna, Jesse Ellisor and Paulino Cisneros. Not pictured is Alexian Barnes.