Jackson Stuart Peach Lowther of Gloucester was among the 37 members of the Virginia State Police Academy’s 131st Basic Session to graduate March 17 in advance of the originally scheduled graduation date of March 20. In accordance with Gov. Ralph Northam’s directives related to COVID-19, traditional commencement exercises were cancelled for the 20th for the 36 new troopers and one new special agent accountant.

“This is the first time in decades that state police has had to postpone an Academy graduation ceremony,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

“We look forward to bringing these men and women and their families to our campus at a later date in order to properly celebrate their accomplishments of completing the Virginia State Police Academy.”

Col. Settle met with the graduates the morning of March 17 for an official uniform inspection and to share a few final words with the class. The new troopers and special agent then filed into the academy ...