Centinela State Prison hosts Junior Cadet Academy

April 23, 2026

During spring break on an early Thursday morning, 240 Junior Cadets reported for this year’s Academy at Centinela State Prison.

Six platoons of various age groups were at attention as Warden Andre Green greeted them and set the expectations for the day’s event.

Centinela Warden Greene and the kids attending the Junior Academy.

Green was followed by Academy General Lt. M. Ramos, who organized the event. The countdown began, staff set off color poppers and DJ Officer A. Avila blasted music, kicking off the event.

Crisis Response Team at Centinela State Prison's Junior Academy. — *Centinela Crisis Response Team*

The Academy training stations included a plastic BBs and paintball range with Crisis Response Team demonstrations.

Stations included:

Baton use and safety
Obstacle course
Medical – Medical Response and CPR
Firefighting
Cell searching
Investigative Services Unit K-9 demonstrations

Centinela Junior Academy enjoyed by families, kids

Kids in blue pose for the camera at Centinela State Prison's academy.

A child holds a fire hose as part of the Centinela State Prison Junior Cadet Academy held over spring break, 2026.

“I was parking and when I got out of my car, it sounded like a roller-coaster amusement park. Kids were laughing and having fun,” said one staff member.

All areas of the prison participated, setting up various booths.

CCSO booth at Centinela State Prison. — California Correctional Supervisors Organization

AMR volunteers at Centinela State Prison. — California Correctional Supervisors Organization

Meanwhile, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) offered giveaways. Plant Operations and Vector Control also displayed various local wildlife.

Medical staff demonstrated germ awareness at their booth.

There was also face painting and Aguas frescas.

California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO) offered drinks and popcorn. There was also a drawing for two tickets to Seaworld San Diego.

Other activities included a slime table, coloring and potato sack racing, while a Southern Region transportation bus gave a tour of the bus and a ride around the institution.

Donations, staff participation make Junior Academy successful

Group photo of staff and executives from the unions at the Centinela State Prison Junior Academy in April 2026. — *From left are CCPOA Executive Counsel S. Durham, J. Bridges, Warden A. Green, Region IV Associate Director R. Acevedo, CCPOA M. Madueno, CCSO R. Davila, CCPOA A. Gomez and A. Gonzalez.*

The Centinela Employee Activities Committee sponsored pizza for the cadets, staff and visitors.

Staff and local sponsors donated snacks and drinks for the event.

As the event came to an end, top cadet performers were awarded prizes and all of them received their graduation certificate.

Academy sack races at Centinela State Prison.

“I didn’t even make it out of the parking lot and my child was sound asleep,” said one staff parent.

Warden Green was pleased with the event’s attendance and staff participation.

“I really loved the turnout and seeing staff happy. Everyone came together to make this event happen,” said Green. “It was great seeing the smiles on all the kids’ faces.”

Story by Lt. M Ramos
Photographs by Centinela State Prison staff