CV student chosen for FBI leadership program
Keeping a secret was difficult for Steven and C.J. Reinstadtler when they found out their daughter Brittany, 16, was selected to the FBI National Academy Associates Inc. Youth Leadership Program.
“It was the first time I’ve ever lied to one of my children,” Mrs. Reinstadtler said.
Brittany is a sophomore at Chartiers Valley High School and is the first district student to be selected for the program.
After completing an application, which included writing essays and interviewing with members of the FBI at its South Side building, Brittany was chosen as the representative of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates to the summer leadership program. She is one of about 60 students from across the country selected.
The program is a weeklong training event for high schoolers at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Candidates must be age 14 to 16 and have demonstrated high academic standards and good citizenship and also be nominated by an FBI National Academy graduate.
Brittany was nominated by her uncle, Castle Shannon Police Sgt. Gary Watkins, who last year completed the FBI National Academy’s development courses for law enforcement at the FBI’s Quantico campus.
She finished her interviews March 24.
Her parents were informed a day later that she was selected and had to keep the information under wraps until it was made official April 7.
“We had to be really careful” about what was said around Brittany, Mr. Reinstadtler said.
“I have no poker face,” Mrs. Reinstadtler added.
On April 7, Jeff Korczyk, president of the FBI National Academy Associates Western Pennsylvania Chapter, along with David Lane, vice president of the chapter and a lieutenant for the Castle Shannon Police Department, and Brittany’s family gathered in the media center at Chartiers Valley High School for the official presentation.
Also on hand were Scott Smith, special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the FBI and Special Agent Brad Orsini, also of the Pittsburgh division.
“It’s not an easy process,” Mr. Lane said of the road to being selected for the youth leadership program. “This is about leadership and how to be positive role models.”
“She’s going to be floored,” Mrs. Reinstadtler said as she awaited her daughter’s arrival.
At approximately 10 a.m. Brittany made her way to the media center.
“I saw the balloons, and I was like, ‘Wait…’ ” said Brittany after the initial shock wore off and she realized she was chosen.
“It was a complete surprise,” she said. “I did wonder why [my mom] kept telling me to ‘do my hair’ that morning,’ ” Brittany said.
“We think you’re going to be a fine representative for us, Brittany,” Mr. Lane said during the presentation.
“I knew she would be a great role model,” Mr. Watkins said.
Brittany’s grandparents Wayne and Cecilia Preissler were also at the presentation.
“We couldn’t be more proud,” Mrs. Preissler said. “I was as excited as she is.”
Brittany will be in Quantico June 13 to 20 for the program.
“I’m thinking it will be pretty fun,” she said. She added that she is most excited to be able to run on the Yellow Brick Road, a 6.1mile trail built by the Marines. According to the FBI National Academy website, along the trail, participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with rope, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net and more.
In the future, Brittany said she “really wants” to be in the FBI, most likely a special agent.
Brittany is also a member of student council at Chartiers Valley High School and is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club.
She also volunteers at her church, St. Barbara Parish in Bridgeville and at the Bridgeville Food Bank.