“I've been interested in law enforcement since I was very young and started watching police shows,” Lily Wallace said.
These days, Wallace is in Blackhawk Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy. She graduated from Blackhawk’s Criminal Justice program last May, then graduated from Rock University High School in June. When she graduates from the Academy in December, it will be her third graduation of the year.
If that sounds like a lot, it is. But she’ll get an early jump on her law enforcement career as she will be 19 years old when she graduates from the Academy.
“My biggest challenge was probably the high school/college balance. It was definitely a learning curve doing both at the same time,” Wallace shared. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in law enforcement and eventually earn a bachelor's degree.
Wallace grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, and started high school being homeschooled through Wisconsin Connections Academy. For her sophomore year, she transferred to RUHS and completed her studies there.
“I attended Blackhawk because RUHS allowed me to take classes and work toward an associate degree while still in high school,” she explained.
“My favorite course was probably Forensics or just the Academy in general. The instructors made it so fun, and I loved the fingerprinting in Forensics,” Wallace said. “The instructors play a huge role. They want nothing but the best for you, and it truly shows. They take the time to work with you and build your success.”
Wallace’s parents have been a big influence on her life and encouraged her on her journey to law enforcement.
“They taught me a strong work ethic, which has led me to where I am now,” she said. She encourages students attending Blackhawk to “Just go for it. Enjoy your time as a student and don’t forget to ask the instructors for help.”
When she was a senior at RUHS, she was a competitive cheerleader herself, and her team placed second, winning silver medals at Allstar Worlds in Orlando, Florida. Wallace continues her involvement in cheerleading today by coaching Allstar cheer and tumbling at Legacy Athletics in Janesville.
She spends her free time with friends or finding new shows to watch. She has two dogs, one cat, and a couple of chickens. She hopes to travel and perhaps visit Bali in Indonesia.
Learn more about the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy, Law Enforcement Basic Jail Academy, and Criminal Justice Studies program.