Posted April 26, 2024
The 26th Annual Teen Court Statewide Mock Trial Summit Competition, hosted by the North Carolina Teen Court Association, took place in Concord, NC from April 19th to 21st. Granville County Teen Court’s youth volunteers were among over 200 participants from across North Carolina, engaging in an educational weekend showcasing their skills and knowledge through mock trial competitions. Seven dedicated student volunteers from Granville County represented the Teen Court, assuming roles such as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and defendants, competing against teams from various counties across the state. Representing Granville County in this year’s event were: Defense Attorneys Cristina Portillo-Martinez and Jazlyn Usher, Prosecutors Joydan Johnson and Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Clerk of Court Iesha Landis, Bailiff Cassie Peele, and Defendant Caitlynne Horton.
These students dedicated weeks of diligent practice to perfecting their roles leading up to the competition. Amidst their regular schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and ongoing Teen Court responsibilities, they carved out time to come in for extra sessions on evenings, Saturday mornings, and even during school breaks to prepare thoroughly. Their perseverance paid off immensely as the team emerged victorious, claiming 1st place in the state competition! Additionally, two members received special recognition for their outstanding performance in the courtroom. Jazlyn Usher was honored with the title of “Best Attorney Courtroom A” in the Defense’s trial, while Jermaine Puryear, Jr. received accolades as “Best Attorney for Courtroom B” in the Prosecution’s trial, as well as the prestigious title of “Best Overall Prosecuting Attorney” across all courtroom trials.
Apart from the Mock Trial competition, the objectives for the three-day event encompassed several key goals: assembling volunteers from all Teen Courts across North Carolina; enhancing volunteer effectiveness in the courtroom; gaining practical experience through the Mock Trial Competition; fostering friendships; and exchanging information and experiences. On Friday night, youth engaged in a team-building workshop. Following a tense morning of mock trial competition, students were treated to much-needed stress relief and fun at the Great Wolf Lodge water park. On Saturday night, they enjoyed a Dinner Theater presentation titled, “The Douglas-Lincoln Debates, A One-Act Play and Discussion Event.” The play centered on the authentic and sometimes awkward humanity and vulnerability of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
The final day concluded with a presentation by Glenn Smith, Executive Director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc., where he discussed the significance of restorative justice and the advantages of diversion programs like Teen Court. Following this presentation was the awards ceremony, a moment filled with excitement and celebration for Granville County.
Charissa Puryear, the County Extension Director, had the pleasure of accompanying the youth and witnessing their joyous celebration. She remarked, “This was an exhilarating moment for our youth volunteers. Throughout the year, they have dedicated themselves to serving the youth of Granville County through their teen court program. These young volunteers commit their time to offering an alternative for youth offenders in the county. The NCTCA summit provided them with the chance to showcase their skills among participants from across the state, and I am immensely proud of their dedication and achievements. As Granville County Teen Court marks its 15th anniversary this year, our volunteers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment and excellence.”
Granville County Teen Court deeply appreciates the ongoing support from the community. The Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and the County of Granville persist in their support through funding. The program is also immensely thankful for the consistent support from the Sheriff’s Department at the courthouse, as well as the various schools that allow volunteers to participate. Adult volunteers play a crucial role as the program’s biggest supporters, including Judge Katherine Burnette, S. Quon Bridges, and Lori Dutra, who provide invaluable support and feedback during Teen Court sessions, preparing youth for competitions throughout the year. Committed volunteers such as Tiana Jones, Nancy Pifer, Carol Wheeless, and Sonia Hernandez demonstrate unwavering dedication to supporting the youth and the program.
For countless volunteers who have devoted countless service hours to Teen Court, the Teen Summit serves as the pinnacle of their year-long commitment. This dynamic weekend activity provided volunteers with the realization that their contributions to their peers through Teen Court extend far beyond the confines of their individual courtrooms. The impact of restorative justice resonates across counties, states, and even globally.