Myrtle Beach junior police academy cadets celebrate graduation with shopping spree

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The sixth annual Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Junior Police Academy ended Friday with graduation and a shopping spree.

Cadets went shopping with police officers at the Walmart Superstore in Myrtle Beach Friday morning.

The 20 cadets are students at Myrtle Beach Middle School.

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Thanks to community donations, the cadets each got around $200 to spend on school supplies and clothing for this coming school year.

“It just really gives you the opportunity to get the things you want. You’re not the one paying for it,” said MBPD Junior Police Academy Cadet, Yasmin.

The Junior Police Academy program started six years ago for kids who have an interest in a career in law enforcement.

During the two-week program, cadets got to learn how officers solve crimes and catch bad guys.

Being able to wear the clothes that you want, it helps these kids feel more comfortable when they get to school, and therefore they excel better in school,” said Zachary Seppi, MBPD School Resource Officer at Myrtle Beach Elementary School.