From Troopers to Teachers: How Law Enforcement Inspired Future Leaders at Midwest City High School

In a heartwarming outreach event, members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol visited Midwest City High School to connect with students during Senior Alumni Day. Retired Trooper Lateka Alexander and newly graduated Trooper R.J. Walker shared their diverse career experiences, offering insight into the dedication and preparation necessary for a future in law enforcement. It’s not every day that students get to hear directly from those behind the badge!

The troopers were eager to share their stories—some filled with triumphs, others with challenges—that helped shape their professional journeys. Their aim? To inspire young minds to consider careers as the next generation of public servants and leaders. Hearing about the realities of law enforcement—beyond the often glamorized portrayals—equipped students with a realistic view of what it takes to serve their communities.

The interaction highlighted the importance of mentorship and community engagement, bridging the gap between students and law enforcement. Who knows? Maybe some of these students will don a badge of their own one day! If nothing else, they learned that to lead, you have to first be willing to listen, and here’s hoping they took that message to heart.