YOUTH LEADERS

WOMEN WHO LEAD FOR LOVE OF DOGS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

"EVO was definitely the right choice.”

by Megan Diane Beatty photos courtesy Jillian Hamrick

Jillian Hamrick, a sophomore at Liberty Hill High School found a unique way to give back to local law enforcement— and the community—to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. The achievement project she chose involved completing a training course at Pacesetter K9 in Liberty Hill then raising money to purchase a K9 for the Liberty Hill Police Department.

Admiration for her parents' example as law enforcement officers propelled Jillian onto a path to a military career. She says, "I just want to contribute to the community and have a positive impact, given all the negativity in the world today.”

With funds in hand, Jillian traveled to Poland to personally select the K9. She was also able to spend a few days taking in the country's breathtaking nature. “Poland was astonishing. It was a beautiful place and the food was delicious, but the best part, of course, was selecting the dog (EVO)."

EVO'S START OF WATCH

A TASK THAT WAS A TREAT EVO AT WORK EVO’s new handler and partner, K9 Officer Esteban Gomez-Sanchez, says it has always been a goal of his to work with dogs and he was pleased with Jillian's choice. “Liberty Hill is very pro law enforcement and we get a lot of support from the community, but to have someone as young as Jillian show this much drive and determination is amazing.” When on duty, EVO will be riding in style in a Tahoe outfitted with a special cage in the back of the patrol unit, but Officer Gomez-Sanchez wants to remind everyone about EVO's role. He says, “If you see Officer EVO around town please remember he is not a pet, he is a trained officer. Don’t rush up to cuddle him.”

JILLIAN AT WORK

Jillian received her Gold Award last month and her commitment, patience, and leadership also landed her in the LHHS National Honor Society. She says, “High school is hard because it is a time we all become aware that our future starts soon, but I feel like I set a good example others can model. I believe the skills I learned from my project contributed to my new membership. I think the time and commitment also set an example for how young people can contribute to the community.”

Jillian continues to encourage other teens and kids to find their passion and create their own goals. She says, “The first step would be joining any kind of club; athletic, scouting, 4-H, or FFA. Simply provide a community service and get yourself out there. Connect with a leader in your club and come up with a project together that you can set in motion.”

L-R: Jillian, Pacesetter K9 Owner Brad Langham, Officer Esteban Gomez with EVO, Liberty Hill Police Chief Royce Graeter

The theme of being adaptable and flexible this school year continued with Friday night’s graduation ceremony. Liberty Hill, and many other local schools moved their ceremonies inside. With the abrupt change in venue, guests were limited to four per student.

Digest staff are grateful to parents who provided personal photos of the mortarboard toss to share with our readers.

lhhs Graduation

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Mom Imelda Anderson said, “As storms rolled in, I wondered if graduation would take place. Thanks for keeping the program engaging and brief. It was fun to hear our kids being cheered on and to hear the hootin’ and hollerin’ from upstairs! I’m so thankful our kids go to celebrate this year.”

may 2021

JUNE 2021 MY JARRELL MONTHLY 2

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