August 14, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 23 Graduation A portion of this year’s academy class at the graduation ceremony. Inset: Mayor William Laforet addressing the group. (continued from page 7) In 2007, the unique concept of a Youth Leadership Academy was introduced. There is no other type of leader- ship program hosted by a law enforcement agency in the tri-state area, so there was little direction in the develop- ment of such a program. This summer, the Mahwah Police Department hosted its seventh annual leadership program. The program is directed by Sergeant Curtis, held at Ramapo College, and staffed by Mahwah police officers. What simply started as a five day camp with classes and events during the day has grown to become a five day camp with a three night sleepover for students in the college dorms. Enrollment has grown each year, and this year over 200 students attended. The leadership academy is an opportunity for students to learn about leadership traits and skills and how to work together as a group to achieve a common goal. There are classroom discussions about leadership techniques and a series of events and challenges for teams of students. This year, the students also participated in the CAP pro- gram, an interactive block of instruction and cooperative work sessions on brand marketing, market analysis, sales and promotion. The academy and CAP instructors worked with Ramsey Auto Group on a project. There is a fee for children to register for the Academy, but the program is financially subsidized by the Mahwah Municipal Alliance. During the graduation ceremony at the Bradley Center at Ramapo College, the MMA recognized Ray and Faith VanDuren of Ramsey Auto Group for their years of support of youth programs in the township. According to Mayor Laforet, the Mahwah Youth Lead- ership Academy is an innovative and unique program that makes the Township of Mahwah a special place to reside.