EL PASO, Texas - The annual employee awards ceremony at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol El Paso Station recognized the achievements of agents, managers and supervisors in 2012. The award ceremony began March 1 by recognizing a Jr. Law Enforcement Explorer, Post 910 from Lordsburg, N.M.
Junior Law Enforcement Explorers operate in partnership under the Learning for Life program of the Boy Scouts of America, though the Posts are clearly coed.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Deputy Division Chief Michael E. Przybyl presented Border Patrol Explorer Kaila Paul of Demming, N.M. with the CBP sector level award here March 1. Paul then went on to compete and win against 15 other sector awardees for the National Explorer of the Year title.
“Kaila is extremely well rounded and motivated,” said her father, Supervisory CBP Agent Michael D. Paul, Lordsburg, N.M. station. “Her idea of a father – daughter day was to compete in the 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. March 17.”
Kaila Paul has completed the 65 hour Junior Law Enforcement Academy, become qualified as a first responder, and is currently working toward certification as an emergency medical technician.
“The Explorers are similar to a Boy Scout Troop, but they are educationally based, learning law enforcement, public speaking and other academic achievements to enhance their opportunities down the road,” said Michael Paul.
Explorer Paul has led a team to Washington D.C. to compete in national competitions there. The club was also involved in lighting and setting out vigil candles and other behind the scenes activities.
Back home, Explorer Paul achieves high academic marks, volunteers at the Humane Society, and runs track and other athletics at school.
“This exemplary Explorer has demonstrated a great deal of dedication to the Explorer Post Program, and has participated in Explorer competitions, for which her post received several awards. She has showed profound leadership during all events and activities relating to Lordsburg Stations Explorer Post, as well as the El Paso Sector Explorer Post Program. Academically, Miss Paul has focused her studies toward business management and criminal justice, and maintains a 4.0 grade point average …” reads the award in part.
“Kaila has been involve with the Explorer program for two and a half years. She was instrumental in forming Explorer Post 910 at Lordsburg, N.M.