Spotlight on Success

Pi Lambda Theta, Education Honor Society, sponsored an Essay Contest for Freshmen and Sophomore education students.   They were asked to address their educational philosophy, teacher and student roles, and instructional methods in their essays.  First and second prize recipients were awarded a cash prize along with and a certificate.  Dr. Patrick Ryan is the group’s advisor. 
Pictured are: Class of 2016: Teressa L. Schuetz (first prize), Mary E. Gerwig (second prize); Class of 2015: Natalie R. Theis (first prize), John-Paul M. Heil (second prize)

Austin McKamey is a 22-year-old native of Oakley, California and a senior at the Mount. As a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociol-ogy, Austin was successful at his Summer 2012 internship with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD).

As an intern, Austin worked with SFPD’s homicide unit. He organized cold case files from the 1970’s and 1980’s. These cases were significant because of the Zebra and Zodiac murders that occurred in the San Francisco in these two decades. He found that learning Visual Clarity software and analytical methodologies proved invaluable.

In addition, Austin worked on the S.T.A.R.S. computerized database, which stands for Suspect Tracking And Reporting System. He used S.T.A.R.S to input arrest records and look for correlations between suspects and past crimes. He also made significant alterations to the database producing a more efficient way to input data. Austin was able to teach other interns how to use the database and demonstrate what kinds of patterns they should be looking for once he returned to the Mount.

Along with working on the S.T.A.R.S. database, Austin inspected prison mail to search for gang affiliations. Particularly looking for gang relations to the recipient. This helped the department find evidence to prove or disprove a person’s involvement or contact with a specific gang and its members.

Through his criminal justice and sociology classes here at the Mount, Austin has become a well-rounded individual. His ability to relate to others and hear out every side of a situation will greatly help him in his career as a law enforcement officer. Austin hopes to join the Frederick City Police Department after his graduation in May 2013.

By: Brittany Gozzi, Class of ‘13

The Mount Democrats, with faculty advisor Kim Hansen, organized an outing to the National Mall in Washington D.C. for President Obama's second inauguration.  Suffering freezing temperatures, they witnessed the historic occasion, enjoyed the crowd, and participated in the festivities.  The end of a long day.  Students rest on Constitution Avenue before returning home.