Madison “Madi” Chaplin has earned quite a reputation for being “first” over the past couple of years. What is being referred to is her tremendous talent as the leadoff batter for the Quitman High School softball team.

Now Chaplin has earned accolades for being “first” in a whole different spectrum.
This past week, Chaplin, whose tremendous credentials and character qualified her to be one of only 30 selected to participate across the state, graduated from the very first Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) held on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans.

FLEYA was sponsored by the New Orleans FBI field office, Tulane University Police Department, and the Louisiana Chapter of the FBI National Academy. The joint effort to promote future law enforcement career paths for Louisiana youth gave the selected young leaders an inside look at today’s FBI while simultaneously exposing them to various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and practices.

Tulane’s campus served as the home base, providing an academic environment with the premier atmosphere to encourage students to pursue higher education and careers in law enforcement.

The students received specific classroom training and practical exercises taught by special agents, police, and prosecutors. Topics included: investigative forensics, the use of cyber technology techniques for combating violent crime, domestic and international terrorism, civil rights (hate crimes), and more. Information on the FBI Honors Internship Program and future employment opportunities were also provided.

Congratulations to Madi on earning another “first”. Rest assured it won’t be her last.