Crystal Lake South High School

Crystal Lake South student Jayden Dean is on a clear path toward his dream of becoming a police officer. From a young age, Jayden knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement, and his brother encouraged him to explore cadet programs. This led Jayden to discover the Lake in the Hills Cadet Program, which he joined after researching local opportunities.

Since joining, Jayden has enjoyed participating in public events and meeting new officers. These experiences have deepened his passion for law enforcement, while also helping him develop valuable skills in professionalism and leadership. A major milestone in Jayden’s journey came in 2024 when he was promoted to captain of the program. His time in the program has further confirmed his commitment to pursuing law enforcement as a lifelong career.

Jayden recognized a shortage of cadets in his program, and he began to work with Bryan Peckhart, the vice principal, and the Lake in the Hills Police Department to help bring awareness to the Cadet Program at his school.

Jayden encourages future cadets to focus on both growth and enjoyment. His advice to students interested in joining the Cadet Program is simple: "Have fun, make friends, but take it seriously." 

He emphasizes that balancing enjoyment with focus is key to making the most of the experience. For Jayden, the most valuable part of starting a program like this at a young age is the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and skills over several years before even entering the field as a police officer. This long-term foundation, he believes, will set cadets up for greater success in their careers.