The Tyler Junior College Criminal Justice Students Association of traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this month.
The trip's purpose was not only for them to enjoy their spring break, but to experience firsthand some of the facilities and institutions they are learning about in the classroom. The trip was part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Criminal Justice program at TJC.
The group of 40 students and faculty enjoyed a special tour of the U.S. Supreme Court led by Justice Clarence Thomas’s staff, a tour of the U.S. Capitol led by U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, and a visit to the White House and Eisenhower Executive Office Building arranged by Tom Pratt, a former Tylerite who served as a staff member under President George W. Bush.
In addition, the group took part in a community service project before touring the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial that opened last fall.
“This trip was truly a complete fulfillment of the three promises of TJC: to offer a quality education, a vibrant student life and community service,” said TJC Professor and Department Chair of Law and Public Service Careers Jason Waller.
“The students had a great time, seeing various examples of history, visiting sites they had only seen in movies or on television, and simply having a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Waller added.
Students participating in the trip and their hometowns include: Brittany Johnson, Bossier City, Louisiana; Jessica Sims and Mandy Roberts, Canton; Allyshia Wallace, Chandler; Madison Rhodes and Tionna Lewis, Dallas; Jackson Prater, Hawkins/Mineola; Matthew Velencia, Houston; Dariana Quintero and Jose Padron, Jacksonville; Nicolas Kellas, Lindale; Verania Correa, Longview; Alyssa Hopkins, Mount Pleasant; Anna Weikel, Palestine; Colin Weaver, Crystal Gutierrez, Deont’a Osborn, Jara Galvan, Jerry Burnett, Kavin Rawlinson, Laura Marquez, Norali Velazquez, Pedro “Ivan” Gaona, Peter Timothy DuBoise, Pricilia Gutierrez, Rieko Crowe, Tabitha Mejia and Yesenia Sosa, Tyler; Gabriel Hollis, Winnsboro; and Chelsie Sargrent, Woodville.