IN Norwin Winter 2019 | Page 31

GET UNIQUE VIEW OF THE FBI AT NEW TEEN ACADEMY T wo Norwin High School seniors represented Norwin School District at a newly created FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy. Twelfth-grade students Morgan Pesi and Hunter Conn attended, along with approximately 50 other students from more than two dozen high schools in southwestern Pennsylvania. The FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy gave local youth a chance to learn about the FBI and is similar to a mini-Citizens Academy program. The program helps high school juniors and seniors explore the world of law enforcement, build leadership skills and become positive role models in our community. Students selected for the Teen Academy spent a fun, educational, interactive day at the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office participating in both classroom and hands-on activities. Classes offered insight into a number of topics and specialties including the importance of making good choices when using online communication platforms, understanding what the FBI investigates, the requirements of all FBI applicants and the FBI’s efforts to combat opioids through our HOPE program. Students enjoyed numerous hands-on experiences involving specialized areas of the FBI, such as the Evidence Response Team. After completing the Teen Academy, students are more aware of challenges their communities face, better understand how the FBI serves their region and are prepared to mentor their peers. “This is the first year of the program and we couldn’t be more proud of the students selected to participate,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “This gives them a real life look into what working for the FBI would be like and not every organization offers students that opportunity.” The daylong program was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The class participants were selected based on eligibility requirements and scoring of the students’ response to an essay question and letter of recommendation. Another Teen Academy for high school juniors is expected to be held in the spring. Above: FBI Pittsburgh Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nick Boshears with Norwin High School students Morgan Pesi (upper photo) and Hunter Conn (lower photo). Below: Learning at the FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy. Photos courtesy of FBI Pittsburgh. NORWIN ❘ WINTER 2019 29