BELFAST —Belfast Police celebrated the completion of their first ever LEAD class June 14, with the Explorer program’s participants. The ceremony took place at Troy Howard Middle School, according to a press release issued by Chief Robert Cormier. 

LEAD is a part of the Explorer program, and was modeled off other Explorer programs nationwide. The BPD program is reportedly “designed to teach important life and career skills,” and is open for youths aged 16-20. 

On Wednesday, 116 THMS students graduated from the first ever 10-week LEAD class for drug prevention program in Belfast, RSU 71 schools.

According to Cormier, following the graduation ceremony:

“LEAD officers shared ice cream with all the students to celebrate the big day! LEAD, also known as the Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence Program, is a K-12 evidence-based prevention education model, taught by both police officers and teachers together,” according to Cormier’s release.

“By training multiple officers and teachers, we are able to reach more students, making meaningful connections aimed at teaching them to make good decisions during those critical years. During the summer of 2022 we trained several officers and teachers, and began the LEAD program in the Troy Howard Middle School during the spring semester.

“During graduation, we surveyed many of the students, and they all agreed the program was worth bringing to them and they really enjoyed it. When asked if they would take it again next year, they all shouted out a loud “yes.”

“Our goal is to keep students safe and build relationships with the students in a positive setting. The smiles on their faces when we walk into the classrooms, make it all worth it! It’s been a great partnership with RSU 71, and our hope is to expand LEAD into grade five in the fall of 2023.”

According to Exploring.org, “Exploring exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders like you. Together, we equip young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.”