Central Community College Criminal Justice Department

05/21/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Our Criminal Justice Graduates! 🎓

Two weeks ago, we celebrated with 26 Criminal Justice students who earned their Associate Degree in Criminal Justice during the Spring and Summer sessions.

While we will certainly miss having these students in our program, we are excited to see them take the next step in their journey—whether that means entering the workforce or continuing their education at a four-year institution. Many are already working in the criminal justice field or actively pursuing careers within the profession.

No matter where their paths lead, we wish each of them continued success, good luck, and above all, stay safe!
With graduation ceremonies spread across three campuses, it was tough tracking everyone down for photos, but we were able to capture a few special moments to share.

👏 Congratulations to our graduates:

• Gadiel Aguilar Barrios
• Jeff Anderson
• Yajaira Avila
• Estela Bernabe-Bautista
• Ariana Cabrera Aldana
• Kathlean DeMarinis
• Cynthia Diaz
• Kaylea Doggett
• Dustin Dvorak-Gomez
• Oscar Echeverria-Marroquin
• Leah Ehlers
• Brinn Ewoldt
• Rachel Lambert
• Everett McGee
• Arissa McLean
• Jose Morales-Rodriguez
• Jasmine Ober
• Tabatha Pinneo
• Christina Price
• Destiny Sombra
• Levi Spreng
• Emma Strampher
• Miranda Taylor
• Tyler Thomas
• Jadeyn Trejo
• Silvia de Leon

05/20/2026

Hailey graduated from the CCC Criminal Justice Program in 2022 and was an important part of that program. She continues to excel as what she does and I am proud of her serving our community.

Michael

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Deputy Plautz on receiving a MADD Award in recognition of her outstanding work in adult DUI enforcement.

Her dedication to keeping impaired drivers off our roadways helps make our community safer each and every day. Congratulations, Deputy Plautz, and thank you for your continued commitment of keeping our community safe.

05/07/2026

Mock Court, Anyone? ⚖️

Around 25 Criminal Justice students from all three CCC campuses—plus online—recently took part in a Mock Trial on the Grand Island Campus. After weeks of work moving a case from crime scene through investigation, the experience all came together in this final courtroom simulation.

Led by Dr. James Davis over the past two years, the project continues to grow each semester. Instructor Connie Hultine has also played a key role, bringing valuable perspective and support.

Students took on every role—from attorneys to witnesses to jurors—and saw the process play out in real time. In the end, the jury delivered a guilty verdict, and the defendant was sentenced accordingly.

A big thank you to Jim and Connie for creating such an engaging, hands-on learning experience for our students!

05/04/2026

CJ Students Get Painted!

The Criminal Justice Student Association hosted its 8th Annual Spring Paintball & Pizza Party this past Saturday.

Twice a year, CJ students and their friends suit up, battle it out on the field, and then come together to enjoy some well-earned pizza afterward. This semester’s event was full of action, teamwork, and plenty of colorful moments—and judging by the photos, it’s safe to say everyone had a blast!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, and special thanks to Jim Davis and Duane Collins for helping chaperone the event—we couldn’t do it without you.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again this fall… are you ready?

04/23/2026

So proud of these three CCC Criminal Justice Graduates Lexus, Asia and Anna! We know you will be great Officers and thanks for serving your community!

04/13/2026

Congratulations to our CCC Criminal Justice students!

Our Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team recently competed at the Statewide SkillsUSA Competition held at Fonner Park in Grand Island—and they represented us incredibly well!

Team members Jennifer Cowins, Emma Strampher, and Dustin Dvorak-Gomez have been preparing all year, and their dedication paid off with an impressive 2nd place finish in the College Division! They brought home silver medals and a team trophy!

While they had their sights set on gold, we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work, professionalism, and teamwork. Coach John Sumsion and Program Director Michal David were thrilled with their performance as well as the rest of the Program.

Experiences like this go beyond competition—they build skills, confidence, and lasting memories that will carry these students into their future careers.

Way to go, team!

04/07/2026

Thanks to the Judges for visiting with our Criminal Justice Students again this year! It was a great event!

03/11/2026

Things are heating up at the Hornady Crime House!

The Hornady Crime House is getting a jump on spring with lots of visitors and activities over the past few weeks. Criminal Justice students from classes such as Forensics, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Police & Society, and Communications in CJ have been exploring the Crime House while also utilizing the Virtual Reality system and drones available at the facility.

We’ve also welcomed several high school groups—including Aurora, Grand Island Senior High, Central City, and Adams Central—for hands-on workshops, with at least two more visits scheduled before the end of the semester.

In addition, the Hornady Crime House has become a popular tour destination. So far, more than 500 middle and high school students from across Central Nebraska have toured the facility. Each group is divided into smaller teams and guided through the Crime House by our Metallica Scholars, who serve as outstanding ambassadors for the Criminal Justice program.

And the visits aren’t slowing down—tour numbers are expected to grow as the semester wraps up.

It’s been a busy and exciting semester so far at the Crime House!

Michael

02/10/2026

Congratulations to one of our recent Criminal Justice Graduates Joseph Sumner!

11/13/2025

Thought I would share the post from Buffalo County Sheriffs Department about one of our recent graduates! Congratulations Korah.

Employee Recognition – 1 Year of Service

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office would like to recognize Corrections Officer Korah Ellis for reaching one year of dedicated service at the Buffalo County Jail!

Thank you both for your commitment, professionalism, and the positive impact you make each day in our facility. Your hard work and dedication play an essential role in maintaining safety and integrity within our community.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Ellis on this milestone achievement!