Students from the Plant City Forensic Science Program were once again the youngest individuals ever invited to attend the Florida Division International Association of Identification state conference.
Four students were invited to the conference, held Oct. 22 through 26 in Panama Beach, and were the only middle and high school attendees at the event.
Their advisor, William M. Thomas Sr., started the program two years ago and is the forensic science administrator for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. When the program began, he realized the talent in his class and spoke with the president of the state division to ask the board to allow Thomas’ students to attend the annual conference.
Though hesitant, they agreed, and the students were given a shot to prove they were talented enough to belong at the high-profile event. By the end of the week, they had so impressed the professionals in attendance, they were accepted to all further conferences without a second thought.
“The impressive thing about it, especially given the nature of the organization, is they pay attention to how these kids carry themselves and how they adapt to their surroundings,” Thomas said. “Because we did so well at the first one, they welcomed them back.”
Nyasha Woodard, 15, said her favorite thing about attending the conferences is being able to prove they know the material.
“I like conferences because they expect you not to know as much information as you know,” Nyasha Woodard said. “Then when you talk about the information they are shocked and say ‘Wow she knows as much or more than us.’ It’s just so amazing how surprised they are.”
She heard about the program after her two older sisters, Mya Woodard, 19, and Shilea Woodard, 16, had gotten involved and attended the first conference. Listening to them share stories on what they were learning drew her to the class and now all three are active members.
Lloycoia Barnum, 13, is the youngest student, however, she is able to hold her own with her teammates and was looking forward to showing off her knowledge at state conference. She said she’s been in the program for nine months and loved learning how to read and cast footprints.
The students have been studying all year and learn things ranging from the history of forensic sciences to detailed examination of impression evidence. They work with finger prints, footprints, casting, tire prints, cameras and casting, to name a few. Though class is once a week, the students all study their workbooks and flashcards at home in order to absorb the material.
Thomas said the skills taught not only look excellent on resumes but also develop life habits that are essential to a successful future. His students learn to pay attention to detail, follow rules and to be aware of the consequences of each and every decision they make. He said the program teaches skills that can be used across the board, not just in law enforcement careers.
That diversity is evident in the prospective careers for each students. Their interests range from being a lawyer to a social worker. Yet all said they are gaining invaluable skills from the program.
“This program helps make a difference,” Mya Woodard said. “It’s very hands on and we’re proving ourselves and getting our name out there now in the professional community. It was hard at first but we proved ourselves.”