The Inspiring Story of Kaitlyn Stake: Achieving Dreams with Hard Work and Mentorship

Discover the inspiring story of Kaitlyn Stake, a 16-year-old who trained for summer camp with a SIG Sauer pistol, and learn about the power of hard work and mentorship in helping young people achieve their dreams

FBI Youth Summer Program

The story of Kaitlyn Stake, a 16-year-old who trained for summer camp with a SIG Sauer pistol, is one that speaks to the incredible potential of young people to achieve their dreams with hard work, determination, and the support of mentors and educators.

Stake’s journey began in the sixth grade when she was assigned to do a classroom report on someone in the military, and she chose her grandfather, Terry Stake, who served in the Air Force. Since then, she has been inspired to pursue a military career and dreamt of jumping out of helicopters to save people.

But her dream was initially thwarted by the fact that the Air Force did not allow women in special operations at the time. However, with the Air Force opening up that career path to women in 2019, Stake’s dream became achievable once again.

Stake’s passion for law enforcement was sparked by a chance encounter with a criminal justice class in high school, which she found by chance after being unable to sign up for a Spanish class. Her teacher and mentor, Tyrone White, suggested that she apply for the FBI Youth Leadership Academy, and Stake was one of 480 students nationwide who applied for the program.

Despite not being the child of a law enforcement agent, Stake was selected as Tennessee’s choice for the FBI Youth Leadership Academy, beating out several legacy candidates. Her time at the academy was spent learning about firearms training, clearing rooms, breaching doors with rams, and riding through the vehicle training course with trained professionals.

What is particularly inspiring about Stake’s story is the support she received from her family, her teacher, and her community. Her parents have come to expect a military future for their daughter and have encouraged her to pursue her dreams. White, her teacher, and mentor, saw her eagerness to explore and push her own personal limits toward excellence and suggested that she apply for the FBI Youth Leadership Program. He also introduced her to Brigadier General Stephanie Howard, which was a remarkable opportunity for Stake.

MJHS Student Participates in FBI Youth Leadership Program

Stake’s story also underscores the importance of having access to mentors and educational opportunities that can help young people achieve their dreams. White’s Criminal Justice Club after school provided Stake with an outlet for her passion for law enforcement and helped her to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the FBI Youth Leadership Academy.

In conclusion, Kaitlyn Stake’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the support of mentors and educators to help young people achieve their dreams. It is inspiring to see a young person with such a clear sense of purpose and direction, and it is heartening to know that there are people like White who are dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential. We can all learn from Stake’s example and strive to support the next generation of leaders and achievers in their journeys toward success.

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