Luke Cook graduated from TEAM High School, Woodland Public Schools’ alternative high school, in December in order to pursue his dream of working in law enforcement.
Luke Cook of Woodland completed high school early in December through TEAM High School, Woodland Public Schools’ alternative high school, allowing him to pursue his career plans of becoming a Portland police officer.
Cook initially enrolled in TEAM his freshman year after moving to Woodland from Oregon with his family.
“I was home-schooled until high school, so TEAM’s less structured approach was more appealing than enrolling at a traditional school,” he said. “TEAM’s environment is much less stressful and allows you to create your own schedule with hours that work around your other responsibilities.”
Cook left TEAM to attend Woodland High School for a semester to earn foreign language credit before finishing his high school education at TEAM. While enrolled at TEAM, Cook also took classes in criminal justice at Cascadia Technical Academy.
In addition to attending Cascadia, TEAM’s flexible hours and schedules gave Cook the opportunity to take part in the Clark County Sheriff Explorers program, a cooperative venture between the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Learning for Life. The Explorer Program offers youth between the ages of 15-and-a-half and 21 the opportunity to observe the criminal justice system and make an informed career decision by assisting sheriffs.
The Explorer Program noticed Cook had a knack for leadership and started giving him additional responsibilities.
“I started with the Explorers last year and it wasn’t long before they started assigning me lessons to learn and teach to my colleagues,” Cook said. “This year, I was promoted to captain where I direct teams of 40-50 explorers at any given time.”
In order to achieve his career goals of becoming a police officer, Cook enlisted in the security division of the U.S. Air Force. The position offers him the ability to earn an associates degree while he serves his tour of duty starting in February 2019.
“In the Air Force, I will get a lot more leadership experience, earn my associates degree, and have my remaining undergraduate work paid for which will all help me get to work in law enforcement,” he said. “I really enjoy structure and I think the military will play to that strength; I’m only little nervous because I’m actually really excited.”
—Woodland Public Schools
