However, her determination to be in law enforcement is not daunted by this temporary setback. From her three days in Lansing she learned that she was pursuing the right field and will continue to follow her dream. Dirlam's enthusiasm and determination, despite some obstacles, are just what organizers at the Michigan State Police have in mind for these students. They have facilitated the Student Trooper Program for 26 years, working to provide young people interested in law enforcement with a role model of a police officer and a glimpse of what a police career would be like. This program provides a whole lot of exposure to things in law enforcement and a lot of learning.
Students get to see everything from the inside.
The American Legion post in Traverse City has sent a student to the Trooper Training for the past 15 years. This year they had six applications, four of whom met the eligibility requirements. Besides a future interest in a law enforcement career, other requirements included good health, being in the eleventh or twelfth grade, having a minimum grade point average of 2.0, good citizenship, a good school attendance record and no juvenile or criminal record. Glenn Reed, junior sergeant of arms for the post screened the program applications, taking on the difficult job of choosing which student to send. Reed noted that post officials earmark money from fund-raisers during the year or memorials for this program.