Junior Law Cadet
Purpose
Every year, high school juniors from each of The American Legion’s 14 Districts in Nebraska are chosen to participate in the Junior Law Cadet Program. The purpose of the program is to allow male and female students the opportunity to explore and experience the various aspects of law enforcement training. Students participate in daily calisthenics and receive training in firearms, self-defense, fingerprinting, K-9 handling, accident and criminal investigation, lie detector testing, and state patrol car driving. Students stay at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.
2025 Results
Boys
Outstanding Cadet: Jacob Zelesky (Ashland)
Marksmanship: Grant Barnes (Gretna)
Driving Ability (EVOC): Caden Rainforth (Milford)
Girls
Outstanding Cadet: Madison Reilly (Albion)
Driving Ability (EVOC): Adison Schuessler (Omaha)
For Students:
The American Legion Department of Nebraska Junior Law Cadet Program is held annually during the summer before the senior year of high school, typically during the middle of June, at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island. Completed applications and an endorsement from your school principal or superintendent must be submitted to your local American Legion Post Commander before March 1st. If you are interested in attending, the best local points-of-contact are your local Legion Post; and your high school principal or guidance counselor.
The 2026 Boys Session will be held June 22-23, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.
The 2026 Girls Session will be held June 24-25, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.
For Legion Posts:
It is the responsibility of the Legion Post to provide the cost of training for the student (or students) being sponsored by that post. The cost of training includes food, t-shirts, caps, classroom materials, and administrative expenses. The Nebraska State Patrol provides training, counselors, facilities, and equipment as a public service.
Any boy or girl meeting the following standards who is a member of the junior class in an accredited high school during the respective academic year, and who is a Nebraska resident, is eligible to be considered for selection to the Junior Law Cadet Program: (a) in good health and able to participate in physical activities; (b) possess a positive attitude and display respect for law enforcement; (c) average or above average scholastic record; and (d) possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license or learner’s permit.
– Contact American Legion Department of Nebraska Programs Director Eric Martin at 402-464-6338.
– “44 High School Cadets Graduate from NSP Junior Law Academy” (North Platte Post, June 25, 2022)
– “61 High School Cadets Graduate from Junior Law Academy” (1011 NOW, June 14, 2019)
– “Cadets of the 50th Junior Law Academy Graduate” (Nebraska State Patrol, June 22, 2018)