Clayton Police Department Celebrates 2026 Teen Academy Graduates

CLAYTON, N.C. – Gracie Cramer says she is leaving the Clayton Police Department’s 2026 Teen Academy with a deeper appreciation for the people behind the badge and the commitment it takes to serve a community.

She was one of 32 students who graduated from this year’s Teen Academy. Selected from nearly 100 applicants, participants took part in the four-day summer program offered in two sessions. Throughout the academy, local teens explored careers in law enforcement while developing leadership skills and becoming more engaged members of their community.

Held June 15-18 and July 27-30, the Teen Academy gave students the opportunity to experience law enforcement firsthand through classroom instruction, hands-on activities, role-playing exercises, demonstrations, and interactive scenarios.

Throughout the week, they explored topics including behavioral science, drug prevention, gang resistance, and life skills while participating in traffic enforcement exercises, crime scene activities, and self-defense training. Students also toured the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, Magistrate’s Office, Johnston County Detention Center, Johnston County 911 Communications, and Johnston County Emergency Management to see how public safety partners work together to serve the community.

“One of the best parts of the Teen Academy is watching students grow over four days,” said Lt. Jeff Young, one of the Teen Academy organizers. “Many arrive curious about law enforcement. By the time they graduate, they’ve built relationships with our officers and gained confidence in themselves. It is rewarding to watch them discover strengths they did not know they had.”

As Gracie prepares to begin her senior year this fall and celebrates her 17th birthday next month, she says the Teen Academy gave her the opportunity to learn whether a career in law enforcement matched the picture she had imagined. By the end of the week, her interest had only grown stronger.

“I’ve definitely learned more in depth about what goes into being in law enforcement,” said Gracie. “I have even more respect for officers now, and I’m more sure this is what I want to do in the future. It’s a lot more than you would think.”

Among the week’s many experiences, a visit to the Johnston County Detention Center and courthouse left the biggest impression on Gracie. Learning what happens after someone enters the legal system gave her a new perspective on the responsibilities shared by everyone involved in the justice system.

Between activities, Gracie also had the chance to hear about officers’ experiences and learn about the many career paths available within law enforcement. She said those conversations helped her better understand the steps she can take to prepare for her future.

“If there’s a certain job you’re interested in, they’ll help point you in the right direction,” Gracie said. “They’ll tell you what steps to take, what you should study, and what you can do to prepare. They have so much wisdom, and it’s great to learn from them.”

The Clayton Police Department plans to bring the Teen Academy back in summer 2027, giving another group of local teens the opportunity to explore careers in law enforcement and discover where their own future may lead.