Potter Criminal Justice Students Graduate from West Seneca Police Youth Academy

Criminal Justice students from the Potter Career and Technical Education Center were able to put their skills and knowledge to the test in the West Seneca Police Youth Academy, graduating from the program on July 17. 

This is the fourth year that the West Seneca Police Department has put on the program, and the application process was tougher than ever this year. Over 20 students applied to the program, which was whittled down to a final class of 14 after an interview process. Captain John Urbanski, who led the program, hailed this year's experience as "awesome".

"This was just one of the best groups we've had," Urbanski told gathered family members and friends at graduation. "Right from the beginning, they were enthusiastic. They were comfortable with each other, comfortable with us. They interacted so well with each other, too.”

The program, lasting six days, covered topics such as CPR/AED training, basic first aid, drone operation, accident investigation, crime scene processing, use of force, high-risk traffic stops, and firearms training. Competitions were held in events including top shooting, physical fitness, and an obstacle course.

"We take this seriously. We're putting on a mini police academy,” said Urbanski. “We’re trying to teach professionalism and respect. We had numerous instructors coming from not only our department, but also from other outside agencies coming in. And every one of these kids made it a point to say thank you to every one of them.”

Potter CTE Center Principal Mr. Luke Vogel also assisted by covering the CPR certification cost for each student. The program consisted of students from Mr. Grandits' and Mr. Robinson's Criminal Justice classes at the Potter CTE Center, encompassing students from five different high schools.

"From the time that the interview took place to today, their personalities come out," said Urbanski. "It's teamwork, it's bonding that is created with this group. It was awesome to see. It's something you have to work for. And it culminates right here at graduation, something you guys definitely earned."

To learn more about the Erie 1 BOCES Criminal Justice program, visit e1b.org/criminaljustice.

West Seneca Police Youth Academy Class of 2026 

• Layla Atkinson (West Seneca East)
• Ella Buczynski (West Seneca East)
• Paige Cawthard-Gott (Frontier)
• Marcus Fernandez (West Seneca East)
• Bella Finnegan (Frontier)
• Thomas Hawk (Hamburg)
• Abby Herard (West Seneca West)
• Malia Latsombath (West Seneca East)
• Jayleen Maybee (Frontier)
• Cristiano Montoro (Hamburg)
• Bristol Schie (Akron)
• Connor Schunk (Hamburg)
• Emily Tarasek (Frontier)
• Xavier Vizcarrondo (West Seneca West)