Cadets ‘Transformed’ at PSP Camp

by Jonathan Weaver

Ethan Boyd, 15 of North Apollo, wanted to be a police officer even before he attended last week’s Camp Cadet program, but now he knows how to be a leader.

“I’ve learned a lot more than just how to become a cop,” Boyd said. “I learned that sometimes it’s not just about keeping yourself up, but keeping others up, to motivate them as well.”

The soon-to-be sophomore at Apollo-Ridge was one of more than 60 12-15 year old teens that graduated from the 42th annual Camp Cadet program Friday evening.

During the hour-long ceremony outside of Lenape Technical School in Manor Township, cadets from across the county – from Parks Township to Wayne – were recognized for learning leadership and motivational skills while also learning about impactful community services.

Camp Director Al Santucci applauded all cadets for learning how to respect themselves and others and how to count on one another.

“As you will notice, your young men and women have undergone a remarkable transformation (last week),” Trooper Santucci said.

Cadet Chris Miller, of Parks Township, spoke on behalf of his fellow cadets, and commended Santucci and the nearly-20 counselors for that transformation.

“The staff and presenters taught us valuable lessons, those we will remember far on from Camp Cadet,” Miller said. “Everybody tried their hardest – making and breaking limits. I, myself, have limits, but have broken them and set new ones.

“Camp Cadet changed my life, and I’m pretty sure it changed everyone else’s here.”

The ceremony’s guest speaker - former Armstrong School District Superintendent Dr. William Kerr (described as a friend of Camp Cadet and law enforcement) said he was impressed with the diverse physical, educational and recreational activities that make the program successful.

“In my mind as an educator, there isn’t anything more important than helping young people stay on the straight-and-narrow path, to give them opportunities to gain an educational experience, to become a contributing member of society,” Dr. Kerr said. “Summer programs, such as Camp Cadet, are more important than ever in today’s society.”

Kerr encouraged cadets to always promote honesty, justice and courage among others as well as to become a well-rounded individual to be a good example of character to others.

A pair of cadets – Jenna Rady, of Leechburg Borough, and Mikel Bushaw, of Boggs Township – has an opportunity to show that character as both received a Lieutenant Timothy D. Hepner Memorial Scholarship and will represent Armstrong County at the Commissioner’s Honor Camp at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey next summer.

Both said they were surprised with the award.

Boyd, Bushaw and Rady were also among the more than a half-dozen cadets honored as an “outstanding cadet” -or as troopers described “pushed a little harder in PT, cheered a little longer during intersquad competitions or cared a little more when a fellow cadet needed it.”

Friday ended Santucci’s final camp as Camp Director. The Camp Director for 16 years and trooper for 25 will be retiring from the Pennsylvania State Police this September.

“There was a time in my career where my main objective was to catch as many ‘bad guys’ as I could and put them in jail. Although I took an oath to do just that, and continue to honor that commitment, my focus has shifted during the past 16 years,” Santucci said. “I now focus on molding and guiding boys and girls rather than trying to fix men and women.”

Santucci said his retirement will be “bittersweet,” but that incoming co-directors Troopers Andrew Andrayka and Steve Rowe are more-than-capable to do the job.

“Trooper Andrew Andrayka and Steve Rowe are two of the finest police officers I know. They have great integrity, are wonderful family men and are very community-oriented,” Santucci said. “I’m confident children and future Camp Cadet participants will be provided with a first-rate program.”

Santucci plans to stay involved in Camp Cadet as a civilian counselor.

Troop D Butler Station Headquarters Commanding Officer Captain Steve Ignatz called Santucci “a model trooper” at the Kittanning barracks.

“We are blessed to have had Al here as a Camp Director and I commend him for his hard work, compassion and the example he sets,” Capt. Ignatz said.

Camp leaders praised Lenape Tech staff members – including Culinary Arts Instructor Andrea Fahlor and her culinary arts students, Technology Coordinator Lars Rosell and Facilities and Property Coordinator Curtis Fahlor and his custodial staff – for their time and exhibiting patience during the week.

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