Park Ridge State High embraces life-changing police program

Most kids are out the door before the school bell rings. But head to this Logan school and you’ll find them training hard with police in the Blue Edge program that is geared towards teaching youngsters healthy habits.

Park Ridge State High School students pictured taking part in the Blue Edge program.

Most kids are out the door before the school bell rings.

But head to Park Ridge State High School after hours and you’ll find students training hard with police as part of a unique program run with Queensland Police.

Twice a week at 4pm, students at Park Ridge State High stay back after school to work up a sweat during a fitness session with police officers and then tuck into a hearty meal.

The school’s adopt-a-cop acting senior sergeant Nick Edwards, of Browns Plains Police, is one a mainstays of the Blue Edge program, which has been running for three years.

Students tuck into some slow-cooked beef after a workout.

He said Blue Edge was about breaking down the barriers with police, becoming a familiar face and helping youths an opportunity to learn positive habits that they can continue in their daily lives.

“Everyone gets something out of it,” act snr sgt Edwards said.

“One young lady was so shy she wouldn’t say her name – this year she owns the group and has grown so much in confidence.”

The program also has secured a strong line-up of speakers including Australian rugby players Steph Hancock and Michael Hancock and RAAF warrant officer Lisa Sheridan.

“It shows them that no matter what life throws at them, they can overcome it or succumb to it – it’s their choice,” act snr sgt Edwards said.

The program will run throughout Term 3 and is also run in partnership Blue Light Queensland and Park Ridge State High School’s chaplaincy.