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HICKORY The Hickory Career and Arts Magnet (HCAM) School set a national record in June, finishing second in the Crime Scene Investigation competition at the 2017 SkillsUSA national championships held in Louisville, Ky.

Its the highest any North Carolina high school has ever scored in this competition, according to the teams advisor Seth Bailey, HCAM and Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) criminal justice instructor.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers (middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary) and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, according to skillsusa.org. More than 16,000 students competed in 100 occupational and leadership skill areas at the competition.

The HCAM team of Summer Walsh, Shelby Sipe and Brian Martinez entered nationals as the North Carolina state SkillsUSA champions as well.

It took a lot of hard work. The group I have this year did a lot of studying on their own, Bailey said.

They were first in state to reach nationals where they competed against 35 other teams.

I got their scores back, and what was interesting was in high school, on the written exam, the highest score in the state was 95, and thats what we got, and the state average on the written exam was 82, and at nationals, the highest written exam score was 87, and we got an 87, Bailey said. Our team was definitely one of the best.

Summer Walsh graduated from HCAM in May and this was her first year participating in SkillsUSA. She saw it as an important opportunity and called it the best choice shes made concerning her education while in high school.

The competition begins with the teams being briefed on a crime scenario. They use that information to process the crime scene, taking photographs, making measurements.

The group writes a report, building an evidence and photography log. They have three minutes for processing and 30 minutes to fill out evidence bags and their logs.

Walsh is attending CVCC and looks to transfer to a four-year university.

It impacted me big time. I had so much support and really want to do it again next year and it showed me what its like to be working in that field, Walsh said.

She realizes the competition experience isnt exactly like investigating an actual crime scene but it covers all the basics.

In the field, youre not going to have just 30 minutes to process a crime scene, Walsh said. Youre going to have all the time you can get, but theres things called transient evidence, which is evidence that can be damaged in minutes, so you have to hurry up to get that.

She thinks everyone should participate in SkillsUSA.

It shows your skills and ambition and it shows you how passionate you are about your career path, Walsh said.

Shelby Sipe, a junior at HCAM, has always been a fan of the television show CSI, and in the schools Forensics Academy, she found out about the HCAM Crime Scene Investigation team.

When I found out the school offered that course I jumped straight for it, Sipe said.

It was her teacher Seth Bailey who encouraged her to try the SkillsUSA team.

I started doing crime scenes every week, and I realized it was something I really wanted to do. This will help me out a lot, Sipe said.

While its a lot of fun for her, Sipe admits its a big commitment and a lot of work.

You have to know your history about court cases and how to process the evidence, she said.

It comes down to a students attention to detail.

We have a visualization test and you get a certain amount time, like 30 seconds to look at a picture and youre asked about what you see, Sipe said. You have a written test based on background knowledge of criminal justice.

In general, she thinks her time preparing for SkillsUSA made her a better student. It reinforced the idea of discipline when it came to studying and the importance of participating in class.

She already has her sister following in her footsteps when it comes to criminal justice and SkillsUSA.

Its gotten me more involved with working with other people, Sipe said. This has gotten me communicating better in large groups and to do interviews and just get prepared for what is going to happen when I get out into the real world.

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Hickory Career and Arts Magnet sets standard for NC at SkillsUSA championships - Hickory Daily Record

On his 11-year-old frame, Abraham Nakhal of Los Angeles donned a heavy ballistics vest usually worn by Bowling Green Police Department Critical Response Team members.

As one of 25 children who attended the BGPD Junior Police Academy from Wednesday through Friday, he was so excited Wednesday night about returning the next day that he couldnt sleep.

Abraham, who hopes to one day become a police officer or a doctor, is in Bowling Green visiting his aunt Huda Melkey, who persuaded him to attend the camp.

I chose to come here. The first day I came it was so much fun, he said. We met all kinds of police men and women and the police dog.

Then after a while we drove around in carts on the road here which was really, really, really fun, he said of learning about traffic laws on the mock city streets of Safety City, a small replica of Bowling Green set up in front of Greenwood High School.

The tiny city has paved streets and sidewalks, working traffic lights, railroad tracks and a miniature water tower that looks like the tower on hospital hill.

When I came today, I was excited to come, Abraham said. Im just so excited I couldnt sleep.

While traffic safety was the highlight for him, he also enjoyed learning about crime scene investigation. He was surprised that BGPD Critical Response Team members wear camouflage.

I never knew they had camouflage. I thought SWAT wears black all the time because Im from L.A., he said.

They treat us kindly and respectfully. I want to be a cop because they help all human people out there, Abraham said

Braxton McCoy, who after patiently waiting to turn 10 years old, was finally old enough to do it this year, he said of the junior academy.

I always wanted to do this camp, Braxton said.

His biggest takeaway from the camp is to choose a life without drug use, alcohol or smoking, he said.

I thought their gadgets were cool. Their outfits were cool, and its good to help the community, Braxton said.

He hopes to one day become an officer to help the community and all of its needs.

Stella Davis, 12, was attracted to the camp after hearing about her moms participation in the Citizens Police Academy.

I thought it was really fun. It really opened my eyes about drugs and alcohol, Stella said. I really learned how hard the officers jobs are.

Her favorite part of the camp as of Thursday afternoon was the crime scene investigation where she handled mock blood samples and helped find shell casings and a mock gun.

I enjoyed taking the samples of the case we were working on, she said.

I didnt know how many cases they were doing in a day. It surprised me about how many cases they were doing, Stella said.

She is still deciding on a career choice between law enforcement and marine biology.

Shelby Hatler, 10, whose father is retired from Kentucky State Police and mother works as a dispatcher for BGPD, wasnt really surprised by anything she learned at the camp because of things she has already learned at home from her parents. But she thoroughly enjoyed the crime scene investigation.

I got to take the pictures, she said. I liked finding the gun, bullets and evidence.

Im going to be a dispatcher just like my mom, she said.

The annual camp is open to 25 kids ages 10 to 13, Maj. Matt Edwards said.

Its a fun way to show young people what their police department is all about and make a connection between the police and the youth, he said.

The junior academy is more than 10 years old. So far, John Deeb is the only BGPD police officer who as a boy attended the junior police academy.

I anticipate that number will increase, Edwards said.

The kids spend three days learning about all things police before wrapping up with a mock trial and a graduation ceremony. The cost is $50 and scholarships are available.

Its a very hands-on academy, Edwards said. To be fun at this age it has to be hands on.

Sign ups are held every year at the Community Education Summer Activity Fair. For more information, call Officer Ronnie Ward or Edwards at 270-393-4000.

Follow Assistant City Editor Deborah Highland on Twitter @BGDNCrimebeat or visit bgdailynews.com.

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Kids learn about cops at junior police academy - Bowling Green Daily News

The Clinton Parks and Recreationoffice is located at 560 High St. (next to Fuller Field), (978) 365-4140, http://www.clintonrec.com. The website has details and registration forms. All registrations made on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds unless program is canceled.

Elementary Programs

Summer Playground:through toFriday, Aug. 11, rain or shine, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., drop off and pick up location is at the Clinton Middle School. Early arrival time is 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Late care is from 3 to 4 p.m., pick-up location is at the state pool. This year, the program includes new field trip locations, special events, arts and crafts and athletic contests. For grades 1 through 5 (as of fall 2017), registration for both early care and late care must be done by the Friday prior to the week you are attending so proper supervision is provided.

Crime Scene Investigation:is Monday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. Learn about forensics, crime scene investigations and crime lab chemistry as you perform 15 different experiments. Cost is $155 for ages 8 to 12 years.

Maker Shaker Workshop:is Monday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. In this DIY workshop, learn how to build gadgets and gizmos. Learn how to design and build your own creation using Wicker Cool supplies. For kindergarten to grade 5 (in fall 2017), cost is $220 per person.

Brixology:is Monday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. Learn about engineering and building while playing with LEGOs. Use your creativity and problem-solving skills. Cost is $140 per person for ages 6 to 11 (as of fall 2017).

Rockin Rockets:Monday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., Learn all about flight, propulsion and rocket design. Cost is $140 per person, for ages 6 to 11 years (as of fall 2017).

LEGO Civics Project:is Monday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. Build a LEGO city and then learn to govern it by holding elections, serve on the city council, learn about laws and the rules of society and create a city constitution plus run for mayor. Kids will learn about important civics-related topics as taxes, immigration, the environment and the First Amendment and make decisions related to urban environmental issues. Grades: 3 through 5. Cost is $69.

Teen Programs

Teen Adventure:Monday, Aug. 7, to Friday, Aug. 11, rain or shine, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clinton Middle School. Early care, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the State Pool. This program is a spin-off of the summer playground program, but is geared towards an older age group. This program features two field trips per week, a variety of age-appropriate activities, the opportunity to go swimming. For grades 6 to 9, space is limited to 20 participants each day. Registration for both early care and late care must be done by the Friday prior to the week you are attending.

Adult Programs

Total Body Workout:Tuesdays,through Aug. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. In this 60-minute class, learn how to strength train safely and tone your body. All you need is a set of weights, a mat and water. Cost is $84 per person, for ages 18 and up.

Free Yoga in the Park Series:Sundays, July 30, Aug. 27 and Sept. 24, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Central Park. All levels are welcome, for ages 12 and older. Bring your own mat and water bottle. The class meets near the Central Park Fountain. Pre-registration is required.

Events

Summer Concert Series:Tuesdays, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the tunes. Rain date is the following day. The concerts are free.

Clintons Little Library:grand opening celebration is Friday, July 28, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Philbin Memorial Park (Acre Playground). Celebrate with refreshments, entertainment, crafts, lawn games, the splash pad and playground.

Fenway Trip:is Sunday, Aug. 6, to see the Red Sox take on the Chicago White Sox. Departure time is 11:15 a.m. from Shaws parking lot; return time is 6:30 p.m. to Shaws parking lot. Cost is $70 per person for ticket and transportation or $45 per person for ticket only. This trip includes one ticket to the game and transportation. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m.

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Parks and Recreation - Worcester Telegram

The Associated Press Published Tuesday, July 11, 2017 9:46PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, July 11, 2017 9:55PM EDT

Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.

DETROIT - Police have released the crime scene investigation report about the death of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell in a Detroit hotel room in May.

The report released Tuesday through a Freedom of Information Act request states that the 52-year-old Cornell had a "well defined ligature mark present on the neck/throat area."

Cornell was found May 18 by his bodyguard, who had kicked in the door to the musician's room at the MGM Grand Casino Hotel. A resistance band was around Cornell's neck and the other end was attached to a clip over the top of the bathroom door.

Soundgarden had performed hours earlier in Detroit.

A medical examiner determined that Cornell hanged himself. An autopsy determined that Cornell had sedatives and an anti-anxiety drug in his system, but that they didn't contribute to his death.

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Police release crime scene investigation report on Chris Cornell's death - CTV News

Crime scene tape blocked off half the room.

Past the tape was a tipped-over chair with a boot print on the back, a can of green tea and a dirty glove. Shattered glass from a nearby window was on the floor, along with two types of bullet casings and a wrench.

Crime scene investigators took in the scene, making sure not to disturb evidence as they walked around, snapping photos.

But it wasnt your typical crime scene. The glass was made of aluminum foil. The shattered window was drawn onto a piece of paper on the wall. And the investigators were all high school students documenting evidence on their smartphones, learning what it means to be a crime scene investigator.

About 40 teens participated in the Omaha Police Departments second annual CSI Day on Saturday. The high school students learned everything that goes into analyzing a crime scene, from gathering evidence, fingerprinting, analyzing handwriting and even using a 3-D laser scanner to map out a crime scene.

Were really trying to educate them on what we do, so they can decide if this is a career they want to do, said Sgt. Erin Payne, a member of the Omaha Police crime prevention unit.

Part of that education, Payne said, is realizing the difference between crime scene investigation in real life and on the screen.

So many times you see these TV shows, and its just misleading to students that are looking for a career as a crime scene investigator, Payne said. Thats what they think it is. Its not quite as glamorous as the movies make it out to be.

No Hummers or fancy clothes, like Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami. Attire tends to be all black, to mask any mess made on the job.

No guns, because most investigators are civilians and not sworn officers. And no six-figure salaries, Payne tells the students. Instead, investigator salaries average about $45,000 a year.

That surprised some students.

On TV, theyre not working 24/7, 365 days a year, said Kelsie Watson, a senior at Westside High School, after hearing that some homicide investigations can last over 16 hours. Seeing the pay difference and knowing they get paid less than what they do is an eye-opener.

Most of the lessons Saturday were nothing new for recent graduate Stephen Miali. Hes been an Omaha Police Department Explorer throughout high school, getting to know officers and learning from members of each department.

Miali was born into a military family and has an uncle who is a policeman. He said he plans to pursue criminal justice in the fall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

In todays day and age theres a lot of scrutiny over police departments, Miali said. This lets (students) learn what police officers have to deal with on a daily basis. Theres a lot they have to see.

Payne said programs such as CSI Day and the Explorers Post serve as Police Department recruiting tools, and the hands-on activities help kids decide whether law enforcement is for them before getting to college.

Payne even knows some Omaha police officers and state troopers who started off as Explorers.

Its really cool to see these kids come through starting early in their high school career, Payne said. And now you get the opportunity to work alongside them after theyve moved into law enforcement.

Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore practices taking crime scene photos at the Public Safety Training Center.

Bennington's Isaac Jacobs, left, and Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore practice taking crime scene photos at the Public Safety Training Center on July 8. The Omaha Police Department Crime Scene Investigators hosted a C.S.I. Day in Omaha for high school students.

Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore watches forensic manager William Henningsen demonstrate a Leica ScanStation P30 to make a 3-D scan of a mock crime scene.

Forensic investigator Molly Reil

Forensic manager William Henningsen talks about making 3-D scan of crime scenes at the Public Safety Training Center.

Forensic manager William Henningsen

Forensic manager William Henningsen demonstrates how to make a 3-D scan of a mock crime scene. The Omaha Police Department hosted a C.S.I. Day in Omaha for high school students on July 8.

Forensic tech Krystal Kirwan

Bennington's JJ Rischling dusts a can for fingerprints at the Omaha Police Department's C.S.I. Day in Omaha.

Papillion-La Vista South's Alison Falkinburg compares fingerprints with one she lifted from a can during the Omaha Police Department's C.S.I. Day.

Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore practices taking crime scene photos at the Public Safety Training Center.

Bennington's Isaac Jacobs, left, and Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore practice taking crime scene photos at the Public Safety Training Center on July 8. The Omaha Police Department Crime Scene Investigators hosted a C.S.I. Day in Omaha for high school students.

Brownell Talbot's Madison Whitmore watches forensic manager William Henningsen demonstrate a Leica ScanStation P30 to make a 3-D scan of a mock crime scene.

Forensic investigator Molly Reil

Forensic manager William Henningsen talks about making 3-D scan of crime scenes at the Public Safety Training Center.

Forensic manager William Henningsen

Forensic manager William Henningsen demonstrates how to make a 3-D scan of a mock crime scene. The Omaha Police Department hosted a C.S.I. Day in Omaha for high school students on July 8.

Forensic tech Krystal Kirwan

Bennington's JJ Rischling dusts a can for fingerprints at the Omaha Police Department's C.S.I. Day in Omaha.

Papillion-La Vista South's Alison Falkinburg compares fingerprints with one she lifted from a can during the Omaha Police Department's C.S.I. Day.

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Omaha police's CSI demonstration gives students a look at life as a forensic investigator - Omaha World-Herald