Friend’s Advice Leads Outstanding Graduate to Owens

Some of us find our calling in life early on. Whether it’s a family member in the field, a personal experience or just a feeling you get when you help someone. For Kaylee Gonyer, this year’s outstanding criminal justice graduate, she found her calling when she would come across someone in need and felt a sense of pride in helping others.

Gonyer, a 2021 Ohio Connections Academy graduate, originally began her college education at another institution, but didn’t feel like it was the right place for her. “I actually had a friend suggest I might like Owens better because it would be a better schedule and more affordable,” she said.

Once Gonyer enrolled at Owens, she found her friend’s advice to be accurate. The flexibility and opportunity to have hybrid classes was very important to her educational experience. But it was the encouragement that made Owens shine. “I was encouraged to get into my field a lot more than I ever was before,” Gonyer said. “I was able to get different experiences like ride-alongs with local law enforcement agencies to give me a better understanding of my future career.”

Gonyer is currently an auxiliary deputy for the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating, she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and then attend the police academy and hopes to work at a local police department or sheriff’s office.

Published May 2024