RCC celebrates graduation of 99th Basic Law Enforcement Training class
Class achieves 100% pass rate under new statewide standards
Randolph Community College celebrated the graduation of its 99th Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class on Monday, Dec. 16, during a ceremony held in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium.
Class Leader Garrett May gives the class response.
The 99th BLET class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the state comprehensive exam, making it the second consecutive class at RCC to do so under the state’s newly implemented BLET standards. RCC was the first college in the state to reach this milestone with its 98th BLET class earlier this year.
“Access leads to success — that is what RCC 2.0 is all about,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “When statewide standards changed, many institutions struggled. Our faculty and leadership leaned in, adapted, and delivered results. A 100 percent pass rate — again — speaks to the caliber of instruction at RCC and the commitment of these cadets. We are proud to be setting the bar for law enforcement training in North Carolina.”
Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt was in attendance and expressed pride in the eight graduating cadets who will soon be joining the Randolph County Sheriff's Office.
That pride reflected the strength of the class itself. The 99th BLET class was notable not only for its academic success but also for its diversity and regional reach. Cadets represented six different law enforcement agencies from across the region and spanned three generations, including Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X — a reflection of RCC’s mission to serve learners from all backgrounds and stages of life.
Building on the class’s shared commitment to service and professionalism, Class Leader Garrett May, who will be working for the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, delivered the class response.
“As we take our oath and pin our badges, we understand the responsibility we’re stepping into,”
he said. “Our decisions happen in real time, with real consequences for real people. That reality demands integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.”
Graduates completed the updated BLET curriculum, which includes expanded instructional hours, enhanced firearms training, rigorous physical fitness standards, and comprehensive academic coursework aligned with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
During the ceremony, several cadets were recognized for outstanding performance. Kagayo Mangungu was given the POPAT (Police Officer Physical Abilities Test) Award, Trevor Newport earned the Academic Award, Jacob Lapasnick was given the Col. F. W. Rutledge Top Gun Award, and Jeff Scarlett earned the inaugural Outstanding Resiliency Award.
Faculty, staff, and instructors emphasized the critical role of family support and agency partnerships in the success of the class.
99th BLET Class (with agencies):
- Tanner G. Bowman (Asheboro Police Department),
- Nicolas G. Chavez (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Peyton L. Curry (N.C. State Highway Patrol),
- James M. East (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Shane L. Godfrey (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office),
- Blakeley R. Justus (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Jacob A. Lapasnick (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Yesenia Lozada (N.C. State Highway Patrol),
- Kagayo Mangungu (N.C. State Highway Patrol),
- Garrett C. May (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office),
- Trevor E. Newport (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Laurin C. Owens (Asheboro Police Department),
- Caleb J. Parrish (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Gavin D. Rich (Asheboro Police Department),
- Jeffrey D. Scarlett (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Jacob B. Tedder (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office),
- Devin K. Watson (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office).
RCC’s BLET program is widely recognized as one of the top programs in the state, noted for its high success rates, strong agency partnerships, low attrition, and commitment to professional excellence.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.