Teen Court Program Celebrates
Success and Begins Twelfth Year
Tuesday Night
by: Bobby McDonald
A large crowd of students, parents, and community supporters were present to usher-in the new year of Teen Court in Sulphur Springs. The successful program began as a project of the 1994-95 Leadership Sulphur Springs Class and continues to be the only such program between Dallas and Texarkana, and has enjoyed a successful means of converting minor offenses in the court system to a manageable and learning experience.
Teen Court Merit Club members look at t-shirts that will be a part of the new year's program.
According to June Lucky, one of the program coordinators for the past 11 years, the program dispenses from 100 to 150 cases from the local court docket and provides a way for the youth of Hopkins County to learn about the judicial system. Students serve as attorneys, court clerks, and members of the jury, as they deliver local justice to their peers. Local attorneys and members of the Juvenile Probation Department, serve as judges for the court. Lucky stated that 90-95% of the "Class C" Misdemeanor cases are traffic related, speeding, moving violations, and even minor wrecks.
Jana Jenkins, right, one of the coordinators for Teen Court, discusses Tuesday night's docket with
a member of the Merit Club.
Tuesday night marked the beginning of the new school year and freshman orientation was held, to familiarize the students with the process and attract new members in to the program. "Merit Club" is the organization in which teen volunteers join the program and serve as clerks, attorneys, baliffs, and jury members. A fee of $15.00 is required and students receive a variety of benefits, including community service credit.
Most students who choose to have their cases dispensed in the court, receive a sentence of community service and are required to work-off their fine at a number of stations throughout the community. Included in the areas of work are Chrysalis House, Hopkins County Heritage Park, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, and local churches. "The fine allows the students to act responsibly and give back to the community, while serving their sentence," expressed Jana Jenkins, another coordinator in the program. "Meanwhile, they receive a learning experience in a variety of areas.
June Lucky, left, who had announces her retirement from the Teen Court Program, following eleven
years of dedication, recieved accolades and appreciation from Board Member, Monica Littlefield, right.
Tuesday night also marked another milestone for the program. June Lucky, who has served as one of the coordinators for the program, almost from its inception eleven years ago, had announced her retirement from the program. Teen Court Board Members, past participants, Merit Club members, and others present gave Lucky a standing ovation and presented her with roses and other momentos for her untiring service to the program.
Local attorney, Eddie Northcutt, who serves as one of the judges for the Teen Court System, "eyes"
a dessert that Jana Jenkins program coordinator brings to Tuesday night's session.
Then, it was "back to business," as a variety of cases were heard and justice dispensed.
Teen Court is supported locally by a number of businesses, United Way, and the District Attorney's Office.
A student defense attorney approches the bench, at Teen Court on Tuesday night, as he prepares
to defend a student defender.
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