Providing the next generation with an inside look at careers in law enforcement.
ALBANY, Ky. (July 2, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 36 young Kentuckians graduated from the third annual class of the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy. The weeklong program allowed the next generation of law enforcement to interact with state police troopers and officers while learning leadership skills, physical fitness requirements and law enforcement principles.
“Young people like those graduating today give me strong hope for our future,” Gov. Beshear said. “I’m proud of these Kentuckians for their interest in public service and opportunities like this from the Kentucky State Police help build trust in and connection with our law enforcement.”
Throughout the weeklong program, participants took part in a wide array of activities and instruction, including exploration of core values and ethics fundamental to law enforcement, team-building exercises to cultivate collaboration and camaraderie, hands-on demonstrations from the KSP Crime Lab to understand forensic techniques, and an introduction to criminal investigations and crime scene analysis.
“Our Youth Academy program is far more than a typical summer camp experience, as it challenges these teens to dig deep in order to grow into the best versions of themselves,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “Through this program, participants gain firsthand insight into the many career opportunities within law enforcement – from serving as a state trooper to working behind the scenes as a forensic biologist and many other professional roles dedicated to public safety.”
The Youth Academy program, launched in 2024, continues to grow in popularity while offering 16- and 17-year-old Kentuckians an opportunity to engage with troopers and gain firsthand insight into a career in public safety.
“When attending the KSP Youth Academy last year, I went thinking that I would not be tough enough to finish, but I kept that thought silent,” second-year participant Allison Hooley said. “I learned that year that even with asthma, I am capable of hard things. I finished strong. Over and over again, I told myself what my mentors told us all, “show grit”. I learned much more than I thought I would both last year and this year. I am thankful for this opportunity, as it has helped me decide that I definitely want to become a State Trooper.”
The third annual Youth Academy was held June 28 – July 2, 2026. Since its launch, 87 young Kentuckians have graduated from the program.
The KSP Youth Academy Class 3 graduates include the following second-year and first-year recruits:
Second-year recruits
Alivia Adkins, Pikeville, Ky.
Allison Hooley, Louisa, Ky.
Daxton Lee, Cadiz, Ky.
Noah Lindon, Georgetown, Ky.
Chase Neal, Louisville, Ky.
Laken Shirley, Owensboro, Ky.
First-year recruits
Domenic Bernal, Winchester, Ky.
Lynx Black-Tomey, Winchester, Ky.
Clara Bowman, Richmond, Ky.
Tyler Bragg, Columbia, Ky.
Jaylien Carrier, Center, Ky.
Daegan Caudill, Hueysville, Ky.
Kira Conley, Winchester, Ky.
Thomas Davis, Scottsville, Ky.
Grayson Driskell, Lawrenceburg, Ky.
Adam Flaig, Hebron, Ky.
Aden Flores, Jeffersonville, Ky.
Demetrius Gay, Lexington, Ky.
Joslynn Gray, Eastview, Ky.
Gabe Griffie, Hazard, Ky.
Jeremiah Hall, Louisa, Ky.
John Hamilton, Whitesville, Ky.
Hailey Hardin, Lexington, Ky.
Mackenzie Jones, Sharpsburg, Ky.
Sawyer Joynt, Winchester, Ky.
Isaiah Lee, Lawrenceburg, Ky.
Shannon McKinney, East Point, Ky.
Demetrius Montgomery Jr., Louisville, Ky.
Kowen Poteet, Lexington, Ky.
Maddox Roy, Bowling Green, Ky.
Marshall Stratton, Parksville, Ky.
Abram Thomas, Prospect, Ky.
Carson Waugh, Paris, Ky.
Clayton White, Gray, Ky.
Ian White, Whitesville, Ky.
Emma Wiggins, Lexington, Ky.
During the ceremony, multiple recruits were awarded with special recognition. The Trooper’s Award symbolizes a recruit’s dedication, not only to the program, but also for the recruit who shows the heart, desire and the grit of a Kentucky State Police Trooper. The 2026 Trooper’s Award was presented to Recruit Grayson Driskell from Lawrenceburg, Ky.
The Leadership Award is presented to the class leader as voted on by their peers. Kira Conley, from Winchester, Ky., earned the 2026 Leadership Award.
During the ceremony, the KSP announced the inaugural Ted Bassett Perseverance Award. This award is named after the founder of Trooper Island Camp, the late Retired Colonel Ted Bassett. Since its inception in 1965, Trooper Island Camp has provided over 40,000 children with a safe space to learn, grow and thrive, an enduring reflection of Ted’s passion for creating meaningful change to our commonwealth. The 2026 inaugural Ted Bassett Perseverance Award was presented to Allison Hooley, Louisa, Ky.
The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor’s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.
(Sherry Bray – Kentucky State Police)