KINGWOOD (August 27, 2026) – Fifteen new law enforcement officers are ready to serve and protect their communities following their graduation from the Lone Star College-Kingwood Police Academy.
Graduates of Cadet Class 2026A were honored during a pinning ceremony on Friday, August 21, as instructors, fellow law enforcement officers, family members, and friends filled the LSC-Kingwood Student Conference Center in support.
Even more impressive, the class achieved a 100% passing rate, with every cadet passing their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification exams on the first attempt.
It was a day of pride for instructors who guided the cadets from the beginning of the program to graduation.
“At the beginning of the police academy, I saw each cadet walk into the classroom. I remembered thinking to myself that they all looked young, inexperienced, and not ready to start a career in law enforcement,” said Lt. Jose Torres, LEA academy training coordinator. “As the police academy progressed, I saw each cadet overcome their weaknesses and begin to gain confidence in themselves. For the first time, I began seeing a small glimpse of a police officer developing within each of them. By the end of the police academy, I almost didn’t recognize some of the graduates.”
The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by the Aldine ISD Police Department Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.
Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, campus president, welcomed guests and congratulated the cadets on their accomplishments. Other guest speakers included Lt. Torres; Iesheia Wilson, Lone Star College System Board of Trustees secretary; Maury G. Gill, Class 2026A class president; Ed Gonzalez, Harris County sheriff; and state Rep. Charles Cunningham, District 127.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these graduates as they get ready to start their profession, because it’s an important profession, it’s about serving community,” said Rep. Cunningham. “I’m a big supporter of law enforcement; It’s all about protecting and promoting our country, our communities, and our state.”
Lt. Torres said it was an especially meaningful moment to watch the police chiefs from the graduates’ respective law enforcement agencies pin their badges, marking the beginning of their careers in law enforcement.
“I watched the family of each graduate crying and clapping, watching their family member achieve such a great accomplishment. At the end of the graduation ceremony, I felt an immense sense of pride in knowing that each of the Lone Star College graduates will begin serving the citizens of the State of Texas and making a difference for their communities.”
The next cadet class will begin in November.
For more information on the Lone Star College-Kingwood Law Enforcement Academy, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/law-enforcement-academy.htm.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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