Most people try to stay out of the St. Louis County Jail at all costs. But students from Marshall went there on purpose, during the iTerm.

They also did a police ride-along, checked out equipment at the Emergency Operations Center, met K-9 Donny, and even sat in during DWI court.

The two weeks between semesters gives them a chance to try different, non-traditional specialty classes.

Social studies teacher Heather Holst worked with Marshall alum Vicky Wanta to create the Criminal Justice in Action course.

Wanta is an Assistant St. Louis County Attorney, who works in the criminal division.

Students we met with said they really enjoyed the experience.

Anna Rains, a senior, shared, “I’m kind of interested in pursuing a career in law. So I think that’s kind of what drew me to it.”

Another senior, Aubrey Johnson, said, “I may want to major in sociology. So the idea of why people do what they do, has interested me for awhile now. These immersive type experiences are really important.”

And their teacher said it’s been an eye opening process. “You think about cops and lawyers, you might not think of all the other jobs in between,” Holst said. “I think it’s been very rewarding for the students.”

iTerm was 8 days, and ended last Thursday.