GOSHEN, N.Y. — A local courtroom in Goshen became a classroom this week when Orange County Court Judge Craig Brown hosted a group of promising eighth-graders from the Junior Leadership Orange (JLO) program. The students had the unique opportunity to observe real criminal proceedings and engage in discussions about the workings of the legal system and potential career paths within it.
Judge Brown, along with other notable attendees including Judge Hyun Chin Kim, Sheriff Paul Arteta, and Undersheriff Will Garcia, took part in the educational initiative, emphasizing the importance of guiding young minds toward leadership and understanding of civic duties. “It is always a privilege to introduce these young leaders to the myriad roles in our legal system and to discuss their potential future in shaping our community,” Brown commented.
JLO, a collaborative effort between the Orange County Youth Bureau and Leadership Orange, is specifically designed for eighth-grade students who have shown early signs of leadership potential while in the seventh grade. The program kicks off formally in the eighth grade, focusing on developing leadership and life skills, offering career exposure, and preparing students to be future business and community leaders.
Throughout the academic year, JLO supports up to 38 students from 16 different school districts across Orange County. The initiative is substantially backed by contributions from local businesses, organizations, and individual benefactors, underlining the community’s investment in its future leaders.
During their time in the court, students got a firsthand look at the judicial process, which serves as a practical supplement to their classroom learning. Such experiences are designed to deepen their understanding of the law, public service, and community involvement, which are critical components of the JLO curriculum.
The engagement with court officials and the chance to see the legal system in action also opens up discussions among students about the realities of working in law and justice, possibly inspiring some to pursue careers in these fields.
The occasion highlighted not only the commitment of the judiciary to educate the next generation but also the community’s recognition of the importance of fostering leadership qualities in its youth from an early age. Through programs like JLO, students gain valuable insights that could guide their educational and career trajectories in significant ways.
As youth programs continue to bridge classroom theory with real-world applications, events like this court visit play a crucial role in providing meaningful, practical learning experiences that inspire and inform students. It is through such community-driven initiatives that young leaders are encouraged and prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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