Chatham-Kent Police Service officials say Harwich Raleigh Public School student Jolene Wood was recognized recently for her winning design in the 2024-2025 V.I.P. (Values, Influences, and Peers) t-shirt artistic design contest.
Wood received a plaque and a t-shirt featuring her design from Marc Eskritt of the Optimist Club of Blenheim and Special Constable Koldyk of the Chatham-Kent Police Service’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section.
Wood’s design will be worn by all V.I.P. graduates in public schools across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, including those in Wallaceburg.
The V.I.P. program aims to build positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
Throughout the program, students meet with their V.I.P. Officer on six occasions, fostering a rapport that can have lasting positive effects.
The program includes lessons on authority figures, youth and the law (such as shoplifting and vandalism), bike and helmet safety, bullying, and making healthy choices, including avoiding drugs. The curriculum is preventive, encouraging students to consider the consequences of poor decisions, police officials added.
Photo: Sp. Cst. Koldyk (CKPS), Marc Eskritt (Blenheim Optimist Club) and Jolene Wood.
