EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Police Department, in partnership with the nonprofit Cops Connecting with Kids, announced the final group of students chosen for a Disney World trip scheduled for January 2027. The reveal, held at a local school, emphasized the program’s focus on character development, community mentorship and the support of local businesses.
Students react to the surprise
Ar’Miah Shanklin and her brother Mark Shanklin were the first siblings named in the selection. “Shocked,” Mark said, while Ar’Miah added, “I wanted to cry, but I don’t like crying for everything.” Their excitement reflects the program’s goal of rewarding students who demonstrate leadership, helpfulness and respect in the classroom.
Police stress character and community values
Sgt. Anthony Aussieker explained that each participating school decides which students go, based on core values such as leadership, courtesy and peer support. “We want kids of high character,” he said. “They are showing leadership in the classrooms, they’re helpful to their peers, they’re polite, they’re using all those core values. Ultimately, it’s the school’s decision.”
Community partners help fund the trip
The program raises money year‑round with help from local partners, including the West Side Nut Club and Liberty Federal Credit Union, which serves as a title sponsor. “Liberty Federal Credit Union is kind of one of our title sponsors as well,” Aussieker noted.
The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation also backs the initiative, allowing the department to “disrupt the school year and take these kids on a Disney trip” while encouraging students to dream big.
Logistics and local business involvement
Students will travel from Evansville Regional Airport on Breeze Airways, marking the first time the airline will carry the group. Aussieker praised the partnership, saying it spares families from early‑morning drives to Nashville or Indianapolis and showcases major corporations that believe in Evansville’s youth.
“Now our kids get to see that there are major corporations with the Evansville Regional Airport and Breeze Airways in our community right here that believe in them, that love them, support them,” he said.
Program origins and mission
The Cops Connecting with Kids program began in 2014 after a grant to the Glenwood community center prompted police involvement. Former Sgt. Jason Cullum proposed raising funds to sustain the effort, and it has grown through continued community support.
“The point is we just want to connect with our community,” Aussieker said. “We want the youth in our community to know that we as law enforcement believe in you, we support you, we love you, and we want the best for you.”
What the students look forward to
Beyond the mentorship aspect, the children are eager for the rides. “I’m most excited about the roller coasters,” Mark said, while Ar’Miah added, “I’m excited to go to my rides and be with my friends.”
Planning for the trip is now underway, and photos and videos will be shared on the Cops Connecting with Kids Disney Adventure Facebook page throughout the journey.
Why the program matters to Evansville families
By highlighting positive role models and reinforcing core values, the initiative aligns with Evansville’s tradition of strong families and community faith. It offers a tangible example of how law enforcement can serve as mentors, fostering trust and cooperation between officers and the next generation.
Local families and faith groups have praised the effort, noting that it provides a safe, uplifting experience for children while reinforcing the importance of character, service and community pride.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
