Local Student Attends FBI Youth Leadership Program

Hunter J. Cedegren, son of Robert and Lisa Cedegren of Sandy Hook, has completed the ninth session of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Youth Leadership Program. The program is sponsored by the FBINAA, Inc, the professional association of graduates of the FBI National Academy for state and local law enforcement officials, a nongovernment association.

The program is designed for 14- to 16-year-olds. Applicants must be nominated by local chapters of FBINAA and must have demonstrated leadership, excellent character, submit an essay, pass an oral interview, and have above average grades. The FBINAA appoints those selected to a week program held at the FBI Academy, Quantico, Va. Fifty-three students were selected this year.

Hunter participated in classes including goal setting, leadership, religion, ethical decisionmaking, juvenile justice in America, and physical training. A tour of FBI headquarters, a meeting with FBI leadership, and a tour of Washington, D.C., were included in the activities.

Instructors, who also serve as counselors, are volunteer members of the FBINAA and FBI Special Agents that teach at the FBI Academy. Graduates of the Youth Leadership Program have gone on to attend the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Naval Academy, the US Air Force Academy, universities such as Harvard and Yale, the US military services, and law enforcement.

Hunter, who will be a junior this fall at Newtown High School, is interested in working with the DEA or NSA. His older sister, Britta, completed the fifth session of the Youth program. His father, Captain Robert Cedegren of the Bethel Police Department, graduated from the 185th session at the FBI National Academy.