For the past 40 years, Shepherd has prioritized building relationships between our neighborhood students and our community’s first responders. We wanted our children to know that these individuals cared about them and to show appreciation.

Starting in the ‘90s and early 2000s, we hosted a Police Appreciation Sunday every year. The kids would sing for them, give them cards, and we would host meals with them as well. One year, IMPD Officers came and washed the feet of our Academy students. Over the years, we’ve hosted IMPD officers, IEMS, and firefighters at Shepherd. Back in the early 2000s, an officer was shot and killed in an alley across the street from Shepherd. Shepherd worked with the city to create a memorial there with a plaque and memorial trees. Every Christmas, Shepherd kids would make ornaments in honor of that fallen officer and go over to decorate those trees to show that they cared.

 In recent years, Shepherd has been a hub for IEMS, hosted roll calls, served as a SWAT training simulation facility, and more. In June, Shepherd launched the Shepherd Summer Youth Employment Program (SSYEP), allowing students ages 13–18 to work for pay and serve their community. During this program, our teens meet with IMPD to discuss potential career opportunities. Because we care for our youth and our community, we ensure six Shepherd adult leaders work alongside them, encouraging students to have a voice, educate themselves on important issues, and positively impact their communities. Not only does this empower them, but it also improves their relationship with first responders.

As a community, we want to honor and integrate our first responders as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors for the next 40 years. Just as first responders are there when we need them, Shepherd will stand as a beacon of hope for the next 40 years.