Local Police Department and Students Build Relationships

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Varina High School is one of Henrico County Public Schools’ nine comprehensive high schools. Varina has approximately 1,600 students, some of whom face economic and social challenges. The Family and Consumer Sciences Department offers various classes on subjects from relationships to culinary arts. During a class discussion, students had expressed fears — and sometimes a lack of respect — for police officers and their jobs. " This was the best way to dispel this way of thinking would be to bring them together through a “family” meal. Twelve Henrico County police officers, including the two of Varina High School’s school resource officers, came together in the kitchen for a meal prepared by the students. Students had questions prepared to ask the officers and the conversation flowed between them. By the end of the meal, everyone involved was talking, laughing and, most importantly, gaining a greater understanding of each other’s perspectives. Twelve Henrico County police officers, including two of Varina High School's school resource officers, participated in the conversation and dining to help bridge the two groups. The officers' energy allowed for a safe space for the students to be open to asking and answering questions. The engaging sound of talking and laughing opened the door for a greater understanding of each other's perspectives.