The Clarkstown Youth Police Academy graduated 24 students in a ceremony at Tuesday night’s town board meeting. The teens, who attend Clarkstown North and South and Nanuet high schools, now join several hundred others who have completed the 10-week program offered by the Clarkstown Police Department. Police Sargent Nicolas Lafasciano explained the program familiarizes students with the training and education police officers receive when they are enrolled in the police academy.
Police Chief Michael Sullivan and Captain Anthony Ovchinnikoff congratulated each of the graduates and thanked School Resource Officers Kara Donohue of Clarkstown South High School, Matt Barry of Clarkstown North High School and Chris Kelly of Nyack High School.
Sgt. Lafasciano read the names of the Youth Police Academy graduates from each high school.
Clarkstown North:
- Anastasia Acorella
- Thomas Antonello
- Kris Blaine
- Aashika Dhivakarababu
- Roman Grudinin
- Kyle O’Grady
- Gina Sablich
- Justin Selsky
Clarkstown South:
- Taylor Dobbo
- Joe Gonzalez
- Tajai Kirkland
- Tiana Kirkland
- Kevin Martinez
- Antonio Perito
- Andre Torigian
- Sydney Vasquez
Nanuet:
- Liam Flanagan
- Cole Johns
- Richard Marchese
- Evan Mateo
- Matthew Pereira
- Frank Schiavone
- Vincent Skokos
- Alex Slaybaugh
Town Board members also praised the graduates.
“This is a great accomplishment,” said Councilwoman Shirley Lasker.
Councilman Frank Borelli told the students he hoped the experience opened their eyes to a possible career in law enforcement. Councilman George Hoehmann said the board meetings that include graduations are his favorites because he sees the results of the youths’ hard work.
Councilwoman Stephanie Hausner added, “ I hope the lessons that you learned in the police academy will guide you through.”
Supervisor Alex Gromack told the graduates he hoped that what they learned in the course helped them to understand what it takes to be a member of a police department.
