Explorers gaining leadership skills

MEXICO -- When Explorer Troop 364 Sgt. Brittany Gaudet and Cpl. Katlyn Hemingway attended the Explorer Police Academy for the second time, they learned first hand about their leadership skills.

The MVHS juniors recently returned from the Maine Law Enforcement Explorer Academy in Vasselboro, held on June 25-29. Both admitted that attending for the second year made it a little easier because they knew what to expect. They were two of the four second-year Explorers to the academy.

Brittany noted, "I got to see what it was like to see people regarding to the academy for the first time. It was kind of priceless!"

As second-year attendees, they also played the role of mentors as they assisted others during the course, including four of their troop members attending for the first time. They were Nathan Billings, Nicholas Billings, Jeffrey Burt and Timothy Haas, all sophomores at MVHS.

A total of 59 Explorers attended the academy, with 57 of them completing the course. That compares to only 21 Explorers last year.

The academy featured the instruction of defensive tactics. On the final day, the Explorers were divided into smaller groups who dealt with a particular situation, then had to write a report on it.

Katlyn said, "They looked up to us because we're more experienced."

Brittany said one reason she wanted to attend the academy for a second was to see if how the instruction would change this time around. "Not all of them took the academy as seriously as they should have."

Both were glad they attended the academy for another reason. During the four days there, Brittany and Katlyn learned how their leadership skills have improved with experience, something they will continue to demonstrate as they lead their own troop this year.

Brittany said they hope to make the younger troop members see that being an Exployer will teach them skills, responsibility and discipline.

Explorer Troop 364 presently has seven members, not including four who graduated this spring. Brittany and Katlyn said they will assist in recruiting new members for the coming year.

The troop accepts members from the start of eighth grade through the senior years from the Dirigo and Mountain Valley regions. For more information about the program, contact Mexico Police Lt. Roy Hodsdon at 364-5686.