The Law Enforcement team went to state at Lone Star College University in Houston Feb. 20-Feb. 22 with Felony Traffic Stop placing 1st and Building Search Team 2 placing 2nd.

“I was extremely proud of our team’s performance at the state competition,” law enforcement coach Micheal Tatum said. “Coming into the season, our primary goal was to place in the top three, and achieving that benchmark—especially in a rebuilding year—was incredibly rewarding.”

Tatum said the team prepared for state by after school practices and focusing on what people were struggling on.

“We emphasized repetition, skill refinement and building confidence through ongoing preparation, which ultimately contributed to our success,” Tatum said.

Tatum said with a strong foundation in place, the team is guaranteed to be successful.

“One of the most memorable aspects of the state competition was not only securing the championship, but also witnessing the emotional reaction of the team,” Tatum said. “Seeing their hard work culminate in such a meaningful achievement was truly gratifying.”

Junior Jackson Barrett said competed in cell extraction.

“I unfortunately didn’t get the results I wanted for our event,” Barrett said.  “My goal for state was to take at least 3rd place because it’s a huge accomplishment to make the top three.”

Barrett said he’s so proud of the law team and how they’ve grown from the beginning of the year to now.

Junior Angelina Tice said that to help prepare herself to compete, she talked to her coaches who made her feel confident and made sure she knew her parts in her events.

“I felt very nervous,” she said. “I don’t like being watched, and being graded is scarier than anything.”

Junior Paciencia Aguayo said state was fun but nerve racking.

“I didn’t get the results I was expecting,” Aguayo said. “I didn’t win for a second year in a row. I knew I did very well, but people were better and that’s okay.

Aguayos’ goal for state was to place first in both of her events.

“Thank you to everyone for being on the law team,” Aguayo said. “It was a hectic year, but I’m glad I got to experience it with y’all. “I’m so happy to be your sergeant.”

Senior Breanna Ackerman competed in Cell Extraction and Fingerprinting.

“State was an emotional day, mostly because we all wanted to win and the pressure was immense,” Ackerman said. “I prepared myself by listening to my music and talking with my teammates.”

When Ackerman was competing, she felt amazing and as if she was on top of the world.

“Someone from a small town like me has the opportunity to be there at state going against others from bigger schools that have more funding,” Ackerman said. “It was very exciting.”

Ackerman’s favorite part about state was the people she met along the way.

“I not only found a team, but a family, a great one at that,” Ackerman said.

Ackerman said her goal for state was to win and have fun doing it.

“One thing I’d like to say to the team is I had an amazing run with y’all,” Ackerman said. “I built a family around yall. I wouldn’t trade this team for all the money in the world. It was an honor and a privilege to be y’all’s sergeant and an even bigger one to be someone y’all hopefully have come to trust and respect.”

Senior Max Mcdonald competed in Building Search.

“Honestly my favorite part about state was just after when everyone was all sappy,” Mcdonald said. “It was really sweet.”

Mcdonald said he didn’t expect anything, but he was happy to be there and he was looking forward to his team placing. 

“Everyone here has so much potential,” Mcdonald said. “I can’t wait to stumble into the future and see how far we have all come.”

Senior Weldon Nesbitt competed in Building Search and Cell extraction.

“State was pretty nerve wracking, but I had a great time with friends,” Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt’s favorite part about state was hanging out with everybody, not just law enforcement.

“My goal was to have state winners which of course we did,” Nesbitt said. “My other goal was to see everyone be happy and have a great time.”