The 24 cadets graduating from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy gave each other a final salute before they soon begin their careers.

The college celebrated the Class of 22-02 with a ceremony inside the gymnasium of its Health Sciences Center on Blue Bell Campus, on Dec. 14.

Of the graduating class members, 11 cadets have already been hired by area police departments, with two additional cadets receiving conditional offers Wednesday.

MCCC Vice President of Pottstown Campus and Educational Partnerships and Chief Academic Officer Therol Dix, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication in the academy.

“Cadets, as you begin your careers in law enforcement, it’s my hope that you will remember the training, principles, and values instilled in each of you during your time in the police academy,” said Dix, a former prosecutor, who previously worked in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Jeffries, the Class 22-02 valedictorian, congratulated his classmates for their perseverance during the academy.

“It is an honor to be standing here tonight among 24 of some of the finest men and women entering the field of law enforcement and our communities deserve no less,” he said.

“Six months ago, on July 5, 24 strangers met in the school’s smallest classroom. Today, we graduate with that same number all of whom are well prepared to take on this challenging yet rewarding career.”

Scott McGowan presented the $2,500 Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship to Cadet Noah Clemens. The McGowan family started the scholarship fund in memory of their husband/father, Chief John J. McGowan, III, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2010.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a cadet who has completed the program and is financing his or her tuition and has been helpful to many cadets over the years.

Daniel Czaplicki, of the Quest for the Best Foundation, awarded Cadet Jordan Kim and Cadet Sgt. Addison Woelkers each with a $2,500 Quest for the Best Scholarship Award.

Quest provides funds and/or services “to those who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind.”