The Orangetown's Youth Court graduated 28 students in a ceremony Tuesday night. The teens now join many others who have completed the program offered by the Orangetown Police Department and headed by Detective Peter Maher.
“The Caliber of the students that come into the program make it successful,” said Police Chief Kevin Nulty. “The youth court is important to the development of youth in this town.”
Members of Youth Court are volunteers, ages 13 to 19, who are enrolled in a public or private school and live in the Town of Orangetown. After Kristen Sammon led everyone in the pledge, Nulty made a few quick introductions.
Graduates Brett Ilie and Emma Ryan then addressed the audience.
“I’ve gained great insight into the court system and … learned the seriousness of penalties,” said Ilie. “I joined because I believe I can help turn someone’s life around and get them in line with the law.”
“(This experience has taught me) that people make mistakes and a lot of them. Some of them more serious than others, but mistakes nonetheless,” said Ryan, adding that she’s also realized that the decisions she makes today weigh heavily on the future.
To graduate, the students meet once a week for two hours and after a 12-16 week program, they graduate from youth court training. The training program includes education training of the criminal justice system and mock hearings in which they assume the different court roles. They also develop public speaking and other skills along the way.
These students will begin in January in the regular youth court and have a chance to represent their peers.
Youth Court is designed to reduce repeat incidents of juvenile crime, according to the town of Orangetown. It diverts offending youth from the juvenile justice system, provides an alternative to the Family Court process and deters further contact with the police.
In Youth Court, a youth, who has admitted guilt to a crime or an offense, appears for a sentencing hearing before an assigned judge of his/her peers.
Captain Don Butterworth, Marianne Walker, steering committee chairperson and Joseph McCormack, youth court instructor handed out the certificates. Walker and McCormack had a few closing remarks as well.
Congratulations to the following youth court graduates:
- Liam Burke
- Karen Cardentey
- Emma Daly
- Emily DeRubertis
- Jessica Doorley
- Rosa Fernandez
- Nicole Ferreira
- Niamh Glynn
- Brett Ilie
- James Kelly
- Brendan Kenny
- Cara Martin
- Amanda McCarthy
- Aileen Murphy
- Alexa Murphy
- Samantha O'Grady
- Katherine O'Hanlon
- Katie O'Meara
- Phillip O'Meara
- Ciara O'Riordan
- Deirdre O'Sullivan
- Bridget Owens
- Conor Riggs
- Emma Ryan
- Kristen Sammon
- Christopher Seiss
- Jessica Stahl
- Jessica Sullivan
Steering Committee Members
- Gabriella Capello
- Brittany DiPaolo
- Courtney Harris
- William Lutz
- Dylan Markowitz
- Erin Shortell
- Eric Soeder
- Kristen Soeder
- Amanda Sullivan
- Kathryn Walker
Town Board members also praised the graduates:
“The fact that you spent so much time learning the law and how the justice system works means that you’re better prepared to lead the community,” said Supervisor Andy Stewart. “It’s always an inspiration to see young people in town hall.”
“This is a positive reflection on Orangetown and a positive influence on their peers,” said Councilman Denis Troy “The guidance and leadership they (participating adults in the program) provide is priceless.”
“I think it’s great that (these students) have joined youth court. It takes a lot of time and sacrifices,” said Councilman Thomas Diviny. “It takes a lot of integrity. You have to judge your peers which has a lot of pressures.”
“It’s great to see parents and students together in this effort,” said Councilman Tom Morr. “At a very young age, you’ve already given so much to the community.”
“Orangetown is such a great community because there is a strong sense of being involved,” said Councilman Paul Valentine.
