GENTRY, AR — Gentry High School senior Kacie Wood spent part of her summer gaining firsthand experience in law enforcement through the NextGen Police Academy hosted by the Siloam Springs Police Department.

The academy provided students with an inside look at careers in public safety through hands-on training, leadership development, teamwork exercises, and opportunities to learn directly from law enforcement professionals.

For Wood, the experience complemented her long-term career goals in criminal justice. She plans to begin working in emergency dispatching while completing coursework at Coffeyville Community College, where she also hopes to continue competing in track and field. After completing her studies there, she plans to transfer to Missouri Southern State University to major in criminology with the goal of pursuing a career in crime scene investigation and forensic science.

Wood also plans to attend a police academy and serve as a law enforcement officer while continuing to build a career dedicated to public safety.

"We are proud of Kacie for taking advantage of opportunities that challenged her, expanded her knowledge, and helped prepare her for her future career goals," said Gentry Public Schools Director of Community Engagement Mark Scott. "Many of our student continue to pursue their passions during the summer months and outside of school, which compliments what she's learning through her coursework at Gentry High School. Experiences like the NextGen Police Academy allow students to explore career pathways while developing leadership skills and gaining valuable real-world insight."