A Taft High student, Michael White, received the Youth Leadership Award, last Saturday. He also received CHP Explorer of the year from the CHP Central Division Chief at the Visalia Convention Center, on Wednesday. At both events, he was recognized for all of his hard work and dedication to his community.

Michael is a senior at Taft Union High School. For the past four years at Taft High, he has stayed very involved. He also stays busy donating his time to his community. All of his hard work does not go unnoticed. Last Saturday, the Chamber of Commerce recognized him with the Youth Leadership Award. White stated, ”My family does community service 24/7, so it’s weird getting an award for something we do often.” After high school he plans to be a Military Police Officer in the Army. While doing his term, he hopes to earn his Bachelors degree in criminology. His ultimate goal is to work in the field of investigation and interrogation. He also stated, ”I became interested (in law enforcement) because of my dad; he always talked about the things he went through.” He was also awarded CHP Explorer of the Year.

Last Wednesday, White was awarded CHP Explorer of the Year. He has been an explorer for three years. He is a lieutenant with the Buttonwillow-Area CHP Explorer Post. White has attended the Level lll CHP Explorer Academy in West Sacramento. The following year, he competed in the Statewide Explorer Competition. As part of the CHP academy, they attend rides with officers and train with them to learn the policies and procedures it takes to be a CHP. The program allows students to put their skills to test and earns them community service hours. They help the community in many ways. They attend the parades and work as security for the Wildcatter games. The program also puts on “CHiPs for Kids.” CHiPs for Kids is a toy drive for children who are less fortunate. White has attended all these events, earning him this award. Adam Taylor, a CHP Officer and Explorer Adviser,  stated, ”He was chosen based on his commitment to the CHP Explorer Program.” He also stated, ”As Michael’s Explorer Advisor, I am very proud of the work he has put into receiving this well-deserved award. He has proven himself again and again by accepting every task we have thrown at him.”

White would like to thank his parents. He stated,”If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.”