Tri-Cities Youth And Justice Forum Connects Students With Careers In The Justice System - 03/19/26

PASCO, WA – More than a dozen high schools from across the Tri-Cities region will come together this Friday for the 21st annual Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum, a full-day event designed to connect students with professionals working in the justice system and inspire future career pathways.

Hosted at Columbia Basin College’s Gjerde Center, the forum will bring together high school students and leaders from across the legal and justice fields—including judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation officers, and community advocates—for a day of learning, dialogue, and mentorship.

Students will engage directly with professionals to explore higher education opportunities, gain insight into careers in the justice system, and deepen their understanding of their rights and responsibilities as members of the community.

A central focus of the Youth and Justice Forum is expanding awareness and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of fostering a justice system that better reflects and represents the communities it serves.

Students from four school districts and 12 high schools are registered to attend, including:

• Chiawana High School (Pasco)

• Pasco High School

• Sageview High School

• New Horizons High School

• Kennewick High School

• Kamiakin High School

• Southridge High School

• Legacy High School

• Hanford High School

• Richland High School

• Kiona-Benton High School

• Delta High School

Event Details:
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Columbia Basin College, Gjerde Center, Pasco

The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is made possible through a collaborative partnership between Educational Service District 123 and a wide network of community organizations, legal professionals, and higher education institutions committed to supporting students and strengthening pathways into the justice system.

About the Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum
The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is an annual event dedicated to educating and empowering high school students through direct engagement with justice system professionals. The forum promotes career exploration, civic understanding, and increased representation within the legal and justice fields.

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The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is sponsored by Educational Service District 123, African American Community Cultural & Educational Society (AACES), Washington State Minority & Justice Commission, Washington State Association for Justice, ACLU, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Columbia Legal Services, Gonzaga University School of Law, University of Washington School of Law, Heritage University, Morfin Law Firm, Flynn Merriman McKennon, P.S., Mendoza Law Office, P.S., Guizar Law Office,  Chvatal King Law, Purcell Law PLLC, Gravis Law, Asa LaMusga and Brittany LaMusga, Anderson Law, McPartland Law Offices PLLC,  Allen Brecke Law Offices, Karen C. Koehmstedt, Attorney at Law

More Than 250 Pieces Of Student Created Art On Display Now At Richland Public Library (Photo) - 03/03/26

PASCO, WA– The 2026 Annual Regional High School Art Show is now on display at its new home inside the Richland Public Library, showcasing more than 250 works of art created by talented high school students from 13 schools across five Southeastern Washington school districts. Coordinated by Educational Service District 123, the exhibit will be open to the public March 3–12.

This year’s juried show features artwork from the Finley, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and Walla Walla school districts. Fifteen Judges Choice awards, 10 Honorable Mentions, and six Superintendent’s Choice awards will be presented, celebrating exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. In addition, Central Washington University (CWU) will award scholarships to selected student artists in recognition of their outstanding work.

Students will be recognized during a public awards ceremony on Thursday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Richland High School cafeteria. Prior to the ceremony, students, families, and community members are invited to attend an Artists’ Open House from 4:00–5:15 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, where they can view the exhibit and celebrate the creativity and talent of student artists from across the region. Judge’s Choice recipients from the ESD 123 Regional High School Art Show will advance to represent our region at the State Superintendent’s Art Show, hosted this spring in Olympia by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The public is encouraged to visit the Richland Public Library during lobby hours to explore a vibrant collection of student artwork representing schools from across the region.

2026 Participating High Schools: 

1. Chiawana High School (Pasco)

2. Hanford High School (Richland)

3. Kamiakin High School (Kennewick)

4. Kennewick High School

5. Lincoln High School (Walla Walla)

6. Pacific Crest Online Academy (Richland)

7. Pasco High School

8. Richland High School

9. River View High School (Finley)

10. Sageview High School (Pasco)

11. Southridge High School (Kennewick)

12. Three Rivers HomeLink (Richland)

13. Walla Walla High School