Chartiers Valley sophomore Brittany Reinstadtler has been selected to represent western Pennsylvania in the FBI’s National Youth Leadership Program.
Her acceptance into the prestigious program came as a surprise to her on Monday morning. When her teacher sent her on an errand to the Digital Media Center, she was shocked to find her parents, grandparents, school administrators, police officers, FBI officials and media all eagerly awaiting her arrival! It was at that moment, Brittany found out she had been accepted into the program.
In order to be considered for the FBI’s National Youth Leadership Program, a high school student must be nominated by somebody who has completed the program. Brittany was nominated by her uncle, Castle Shannon police Seargent Gary Watkins.
Following her nomination, Brittany completed an intense application that included several essay questions on leadership and community service. Finally, she was selected to interview in front of a panel of FBI officials at the FBI building on the South Side.
After that, it was radio silence – or so she thought.
Brittany’s mom actually received a call shortly after her interview letting her know Brittany had been selected to participate in the program. However, she was required to keep this a secret from Brittany for two weeks while the FBI prepared to surprise Brittany at school.
Brittany will join 47 other high school students from across the country at the FBI training center in Quantico, VA this summer. There she and her peers will endure physical and mental training exercises that revolve around leadership and team building.