Moffat High School senior studying law enforcement

SAGUACHE — The Saguache County Sheriff’s Office is giving a Moffat High School senior the opportunity to explore the possibility that a career in law enforcement is what she wants.

Tori Sterling, Moffat, plans to attend Trinidad State Junior College after high school to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

“By the time I earn my degree I will be 20 years old, and then I can go to the Police Academy,” Sterling said. “My goal is to be an investigator.”

Mark Werts, an investigator with the SCSO, is Sterling’s mentor.

“It’s a good program,” Werts said. “Tori’s so interested in everything that it is a pleasure working with her.”

Kaley VanArsdale of Moffat High School is the program coordinator for the Senior Project program.

She said it is a three-phased assignment completed during a student’s senior year of school. Students have to write a research paper, document their experience with a portfolio and/or a poster of their project, and give an oral presentation.

In addition to mentoring the student in an on-the-job setting, Werts will verify the student has spent at least 15 hours at the Sheriff’s Office.

“Any advice or assistance you (Werts) offer will not only increase the quality of the produce but will enhance the overall learning experience of our student,” VanArsdale advised Werts.

Werts was also asked to read Sterling’s research paper.

“Please read a draft of the student’s paper,” VanArsdale said. “This will help to ensure the student’s success in this phase of Senior Project and verify the accuracy of the student’s research.”

Sterling said the experience at the Saquache County Sheriff’s Office has increased her desire to go into a career of law enforcement.

“Everyone here has been so nice,” she said. “I am fortunate to be able to do this.”