Law enforcement and armed forces are important parts of the United States. Making up less than one percent of the U.S. population, they provide a service to our country most Americans would be scared to imagine, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Here at South, graduates represent multiple service organizations from the police academy to the naval academy. Recent South graduate, Paul Lyke ’25, was sworn into the Farms Police on May 20, 2026 after he graduated from the police academy two days before. Lyke explained that he had always wanted to be in a uniform as a kid, but never thought he would have the chance.
“I had Wayne State lined up and I was going to study criminal justice,” Lyke said. “Then I met Jim [LaBeau] in the office [at South] and asked for his advice.”
Figuring out life after high school at only 17 or 18 can be overwhelming and confusing. But for both Lyke and students like Erin Korsak ’27, they know what they want their future to look like. Korsak has always wanted to go to the Naval Academy and has seeked help from her counselor to take advantage of opportunities like getting the chance to go to their summer seminar program.
“I want to go to the Naval Academy mostly because my dad was in the Navy,” Korsak said. “I used to live in D.C. too, and I’d go to the Navy football games and I was always there and I loved it.”
Chemistry teacher Wendy Jerome has had her own experiences with the armed forces: as a mother, daughter and herself. Her father was in the Navy and spoke about his experiences often; this helped her decide to join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Minnesota. She ended up not taking the commission but continued with the army in other ways like completing the U.S. Army Airborne School. Her daughter, Eleanor Liedl, who went to South for one year, is currently finishing up her four years in the Air Force.
“I am really proud of [Eleanor] for doing that,” Jerome said. “Nothing but love and support for [those who decide to go into the armed forces]. It’s not for everybody, but it has turned out to be a really positive experience for her.”
Those who serve the United States are dedicated to protecting, serving and guiding the citizens of our country. They are supported by friends, family and the community, and Lyke is a perfect example of how he is paying it forward.
“So I would say without him [Jim LaBeau], I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Lyke said. “I want to give back to someone like he did to me and give them the same opportunity that I have had.”
