‘Setting Standards of Excellence’- Lambda Alpha Epsilon Wins 22 Awards at Regional Forensics Conference
11/22/2024
By Brett Buckner
When it came time for the annual regional forensics conference, Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE), Jax State's Professional Fraternity within the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, came prepared. The eight members and two advisors of the Alpha Sigma Omega chapter of LAE selected to attend the conference spent most of the nine-hour drive from Jacksonville to Weyers Cave, Va., studying a 400-page textbook. As part of the conference, chapters competed against one another in five academic exams, a physical agility course, and crime scene processing. The hard work paid off with Alpha Sigma Omega winning 22 awards.
As the awards kept piling up, the excitement and pride in what we'd accomplished as a team just kept building," said Jax State senior and chapter vice president Sydney Heidrich. "It felt like all the time studying, practicing, and working together truly made an impact, and it was inspiring to realize that our chapter could compete and succeed at such a high level." The chapter also won the Spirit and Sweepstakes awards, which reflected the team effort and strong bond among chapter members. "Each person brought something unique, from those who excelled in academic events to others who pushed their limits in physical challenges," Heidrich said. "We have members who are natural leaders and motivators and others who dive deep into forensic details, making us a well-rounded team. Everyone was supportive, pushing each other to do our best while also having a great time together."
This was the first time the Jax State chapter had attended the regional conference since 2019 because of a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, financial limitations, and the necessity to rebuild its membership ranks. With Region 5 only partially operational, LAE chapter president Brandy Solis reached out to Region 4 to request permission to participate in their competition. Through successful recruitment efforts, fundraising initiatives, and renewed interest from current members, the Jax State chapter was able to attend this year's competition. "This participation represents a significant milestone in our chapter's revitalization," Heidrich said, "and underscores our commitment to providing opportunities for professional and academic development to our members."
Attending the conference provides a chance for members to test their skills and knowledge on a competitive level while connecting with other students in forensic investigation and criminal justice. "For our Jax State chapter, it's an opportunity to showcase our strengths, build our reputation within Lambda Alpha Epsilon, and inspire other members by setting a standard of excellence," Heidrich said. "It also reinforces our chapter's commitment to hands-on learning and camaraderie, strengthening our bonds and encouraging future participation."
Lambda Alpha Epsilon is a professional fraternity that brings together students and professionals in the field of criminal justice.
Winners:
- Brandy Solis- 2nd place in Upper Juvenile Justice, 2nd in Female Physical Agility, 3rd in Upper Crime Scene with Sydney Heidrich and Samantha Trivette
- Sydney Heidrich- 1st in Female Physical Agility, 3rd in Upper Crime Scene with Brandy Solis and Samantha Trivette
- Alyssa Morris- Third place in Female Physical Agility, 3rd place in Corrections, Second place in Upper Criminal Law, and First place in Professional Crime Scene with Noelle Swaim and Isabella.
- Noelle Swaim- First place in Professional Crime Scene with Alyssa Morris and Isabella.
- Olivia Sullivan- First place in Upper Criminal Law, Second place in Upper Police Management, Second place in Upper Corrections, and Second place in Upper Crime Scene with Destiny Sullens and Whitney Nance
- Destiny Sullens- Second place in Upper Crime Scene with Whitney Nance and Olivia Sullivan and 3rd place in LAE Knowledge
- Whitney Nance- Second place in Upper Crime Scene with Destiny Sullens and Olivia Sullivan
- Samantha Trivette- 3rd place in Upper Crime Scene with Sydney Heidrich and Brandy Solis
Our Advisors for LAE got:
- Brian Patton: 1st place in Male Physical Agility for 35 and older, 1st place in Professional Division Corrections exam, 2nd place in Professional Juvenile Justice, 2nd place in Professional Criminal Law
- Sheryl Pelletier: 1st place in Female Physical Agility for 35 and older, 1st place in Professional Division Criminal Law exam, 1st place in Professional Division Juvenile Justice, 2nd place in Professional Division Corrections