A knot formed in her stomach, and her heart raced. So many thoughts ran through her mind. It was the day of the competition, and senior Brooklyn Debbs had practiced all year, but she had left everything behind. No boots, no pants, not even her shirt, all the necessary items for her cell extraction event at the Texas Public Safety Association regionals. All she had now was panic. What would her coach say?

In that moment, when she thought it was over, criminal justice teacher Katherine Cruz stepped in, greeting her with support and understanding as she said, “I know this is nerve-wracking. I got you,” and provided her with a whole new set of clothes.

This act is only a brief view into the passion and commitment that Cruz brings to her students and role as a criminal justice instructor.

For Cruz, being a forensic teacher and criminal justice club adviser isn’t just a job. It’s a mission to ignite students’ passion and guide them to pursue their future careers in criminal justice. Cruz started her career after graduating from San Diego State. She joined the sheriff’s department without direction, though. Eventually, during her time there, she became a training officer at the police academy.

“I joined the Sheriff’s Department, and within four months, they cleared my background, and I was in the academy,” Cruz said. “I never looked back.”

This role is where she got her taste for mentoring and teaching. After retirement from the sheriff’s department, she started helping with the criminal justice club.

“My personal favorite to coach is the cell extraction event,” she said. “I’m passionate about my work in the jails and enjoy sharing that specific, hands-on experience with club members.”

When Officer Steve Stutsman left, and the position of adviser opened, Cruz was hesitant, but after her time with the students, seeing them learn and improve, she knew she could do it.

“I think it was the kids in the club that actually motivated me to take on this responsibility,” Cruz said. “Knowing that I can give them back something, give them my life experience.”

What sets Cruz apart is her unique teaching methods, bridging the classroom with real-world experience. She said she spends an extra 8-10 hours a week focusing on providing hands-on experience and adequate materials to support her students and guide them on their career paths.

“I try to give them resources for them to be able to follow their goals,” Cruz said. “If they want to be a jailer, I find recruiters that they can go to and that they can connect with, and they can become a jailer.”

This foundation is what makes students feel valued. It gives them the strength they need to do their best and excel in what they’re pursuing.

“Mrs. Cruz motivates students by giving the right kind of support at the right time,” criminal justice teacher Colton Delaney said. “Whether it’s a quick pep talk before an event or getting everyone organized and ready for a long competition day, she knows how to get the team focused and confident.”

It’s even more prominent in competition settings, where students are able to learn from both their failures and successes, while building connections because of the encouraging leader they have.

“She’ll always push you in the right direction,” Senior Brooklyn Debbs said.”She might even shove you sometimes. And then after, you know, whether you won or you lost, it always felt like family.”

The commitment and support she brings to her students impacts them greatly. She motivates, guides, and encourages them to set and follow their future goals.

“She’s the reason I want to be a police officer,” Senior Eleigha Domm said. “She makes it fun to learn.”