CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two seniors at A.C. Jones High School are state champions after competing this past weekend at SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.
Jordan Gonzalez and Elijah Smith have been learning about all aspects of criminal justice over the course of the school year.
However, this pair found their calling in felony traffic stops.
In order to earn first place, Gonzalez and Smith had to accurately demonstrate their knowledge in the process of, issuing commands, considering officer safety, handcuffing the suspect and securing weapons.
"I may not show it but I feel really excited. Me and my partner, I believe did really good as well as the other competitors," he said.
This is a first for the criminal justice program in Beeville. The team made their first appearance at the state level competition last year, earning the bronze medal.
Both students will enter the military upon graduation. Gonzalez will enlist in the United States Army Military Police and Smith will enlist in the U.S. Marines under their infantry.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- New STAAR test moves online, removes promotion requirement and some stress for parents, students
- Yes, Donald Trump is the first former president to be indicted
- Carrington gets over 11 years in federal prison for robbing bank at gunpoint during crime spree
- Five projects approved for Downtown Corpus Christi including luxury bar, hotel
- Stash house bust uncovers almost $1M worth of illegal drugs, weapons, armor-piercing bullets in Portland
- Corpus Christi man indicted for selling fentanyl-laced pills that killed someone, federal officials say
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.