Criminal Justice Students Receive Two Dozen Awards at Regional Conference
More than 30 students recently attended an American Criminal Justice Association conference, where they were recognized for their skills, professionalism, and their spirit for the field.
November 1, 2019
By Kaitlyn Fiore ’20
The University of New Haven’s American Criminal Justice Association, also known as Psi Omega, recently attended the Region IV Conference in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Psi Omega enabled 33 students to attend this conference, where we had experiences we don’t typically have in an everyday classroom setting.
Throughout a very busy weekend, students participated in competitions in physical agility, crime scene investigation, and firearms and participated in police symbology courses, took a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, and took part in many networking opportunities.
"The group of students who attended were amazing, left a great impression, and served as terrific ambassadors for the University."Kaitlyn Fiore ’20
I have been to one regional conference before this semester, and I have also been to two national conferences. I have been a general member of the organization since my sophomore year, and I was elected president of the American Criminal Justice Association for my senior year.
As president, I had more responsibility for this conference. I was nervous, but, looking back, I can confidently say that the group of students who attended were amazing, left a great impression, and served as terrific ambassadors for the University.
This group came home with 26 trophies, which is quite impressive, since we were competing with 100 other students. One trophy that separates our chapter from the rest was the spirit award, which recognizes that all 33 students who attended carried themselves in an extremely professional manner. The previous national president of the organization even approached me to comment on how impressed he was by our chapter.
I see these conferences as an opportunity to learn about many aspects of the criminal justice field. Every conference has a different theme, which allows students to see the variety of different paths that can be taken in this field. It also allows students to network with professionals in the field, enabling them to make connections with people they may not run into every day.
I truly believe the American Criminal Justice Association is a great organization – especially because it helps students have more hands-on experiences.
2019 ACJA Region IV Awards
Criminal Law
Lower:
Nathaniel Michaud ’22 – 1st place
Jessica Conte ’21 – 3rd Place
Upper:
Michael Fost ’20 – 2nd Place
Professional:
Dan Maxwell (Criminal justice lecturer and ACJA Adviser) – 1st Place
Juvenile Justice
Lower:
Kassadi Williams ’21 – 1st Place
Eve Hein ’22 – 3rd Place
Upper:
Montana Miles ’21 – 2nd Place
Professional:
Danny Maxwell (Criminal justice lecturer and ACJA Adviser) – 1st Place
Police Management
Lower:
Jessica Conte ’21 – 3rd Place
Professional:
Dan Maxwell (Criminal justice lecturer and ACJA Adviser) – 1st Place
LAE Knowledge
Lower:
Aalyssa Mercing ’22 – 1st Place
Jillian Fiore ’22 – 2nd Place
Jonathan Maisonet ’22 – 3rd place
Upper:
Aaron Pysher ’20 – 1st Place
Michael Fost ’20 – 2nd Place
Corrections
Professional:
Dan Maxwell (Criminal justice lecturer and ACJA Adviser) – 3rd Place