Open House Featured First Ever EARP Competition

The CART Academy (Colton at Risk Teens Academy) is a regional paramilitary program designed to instill discipline and guidance for at risk kids. Prior to its shut down in 2009, The CART Academy had graduated over 100 recruits. With a new council and police chief, the academy was restarted in September of this year. The latest class hosted its open house on Nov. 14 at Summit College, located at 851 Cooley Drive in Colton. The CART Academy is a regional program operated by the Colton, San Bernardino and San Bernardino School Police Departments. The program empowers at risk youths to be better citizens, make ethical choices in life and to stay in school. There are over 21 different governmental entities and faith based organizations involved. The open house consisted of an academy tour, class breakdown and a class inspection by the chiefs of police. Attending were leaders from city, county and school districts, as well as the California Department of Justice. Added to the mornings agenda was the first ever EARP COMPETITION in which the CART Academy and Rialtos Pride Platoon competed for the Earp Challenge Cup, a trophy awarded to the victor of each military academy in the Inland Empire. The senior official for these games was Superintendent Stephanie Houston of CRYROP. Vietnam Vet Zach Earp was in attendance on behalf of the Earp family to present the trophy to the winner of the academy games. Attendees who stayed through the competition was treated to a lunch, courtesy of Lenos Tacos.