40 High School Cadets Train Like Troopers at Junior Law Academy
JUNE 27, 2025 (GRAND ISLAND, NEB.) — 40 high school students had the opportunity to train like a trooper this week at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy. The cadets were all a part of the 55th Junior Law Academy, which gives high school seniors an inside look at what it takes to become a Nebraska State Trooper.
“Junior Law is a great opportunity for students who have a passion for law enforcement. The program offers them the chance to experience a portion of the training our recruits complete before becoming a trooper,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, Director of the NSP Training Academy. “These cadets displayed a level of drive and determination that will serve many of them well in their future law enforcement careers, and we hope to see them again in a few years ready to join the Nebraska State Patrol.”
This week, 19 boys and 21 girls graduated from the 55th Junior Law Academy. Several of these cadets received awards for their excellent performances during the week.
2025 Boys Outstanding Cadet: Grant Barnes (Gretna)
2025 Girls Outstanding Cadet: Madison Reilly (Albion)
2025 Boys Marksmanship Award: Jacob Zalesky (Ashland)
2025 Boys Driving Award: Caden Rainforth (Milford)
2025 Girls Driving Award: Adison Schuessler (Omaha)
Thursday’s flooding after intense rainfall in Grand Island prevented the girls’ class from using the range, so no marksmanship award could be given. Junior Law is an annual program organized by the American Legion Department of Nebraska and hosted by the Nebraska State Patrol’s Training Academy in Grand Island. High school juniors from across the state are eligible to apply for the program. Troopers from around the state come together to teach the cadets and put them through several blocks of training. Many current Nebraska State Troopers are graduates of Junior Law.
Applications for the 56th Junior Law Academy is scheduled for June 2026 and will be made available in the coming months at the American Legion website. The academy is open to all students preparing for their senior year of high school.