DUBOIS – In order to better guide students’ future, Sgt. John Licatovich, school resource officer and member of the DuBois City Police Department, has implemented a Legal Eagles club program at the DuBois Area Middle School.
“We want to open the students’ eyes to legal professionals and the system,“ he said.
Licatovich said he had goals as a middle school student but believes uncertainty exists among today’s students.
“I don’t think many students have goals. Students are unsure about what they want to do (with their future),” he said.
Licotovich hopes the students see the opportunities available and perhaps stirs their interest about the career field.
Although legal careers are the primary focus, Mark Falvo, who established the program, said other professionals, such as doctors, are invited at the students’ request.
“We ask the students who they would like to see. We want them to meet professionals from their career interests regardless of whether it’s a state trooper or a doctor,” he said.
Licatovich said a Legal Eagles club has been in the works at the school for months and was a joint venture with Falvo and Bruce Morris, of the Ridgway State Police.
“I reached out to Mark. He wanted to implement the program, because the district is so large. It could reach more kids,” Licatovich said.
“We discussed the idea late last year or early this year. Since the district is so spread out, we felt the program would be more advantageous at the middle school.”
He said originally the program was set up for sixth grade students but Morris suggested the club be open to seventh graders as well.
Licatovich also noted middle school Principal Daniel Hawkins is very supportive of their efforts.
“Because of the strong commitment to the academic curriculum, he couldn’t commit to it during school hours. But he was for the after school club set up,” he said.
He said Hawkins is committed to the students’ futures, and the club couldn’t have been organized without his support.
Falvo commended Licatovich, Morris and Hawkins for their efforts and said without them the club would have never saw fruition.
“Fingers always seem to get pointed back at me, but they’re really what makes the program,” he said.
The Legal Eagles club held its first meeting April 17 but remains open to all interested sixth and seventh grade students at the school.
Falvo said approximately five or six students attended last week’s program.
“I told John he probably wouldn’t see large numbers, because it’s the end of the year,” Falvo said. “Our first goal is to reach out to the students. You’re never sure how many will be touched. But even if you reach one student, it makes the program worth while.”
The club will meet each Thursday for the next six weeks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the school’s auditorium. Students who join the club may take the activity bus home.
“It’s in the early stages. Students can join up until the last day,” Licatovich said.
He said the program will be offered again in the fall and expects a bigger turnout.
“It’s great program that Mark started six or seven years ago,” Licatovich said. “It’s another commitment to our youth.”