PASCO, WA – The 15th Annual Youth & Justice Forum kicks off at 8:30 AM tomorrow, November 2nd, at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. More than 200 students in 8th-12th grade will gather from across the region to learn from professionals in the justice system who are sharing their experiences and expertise.
Stefanie Valencia, an associate attorney at Gravis Law in Richland, is a former Y&J Forum attendee who now has the opportunity to experience the forum with a new perspective as one of the justice professionals who will be meeting with students. Born and raised in Pasco by immigrant parents, Ms. Valencia attended the forum as a student at Pasco High. The experience supported her in becoming the first in her family to attend law school.
“This event gave me the opportunity to get the advice I needed to take those first steps to become an attorney,” says Ms. Valencia. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to help students who share my background and the anxiety I felt when I was their age.”
One of the principal goals of the forum is to encourage students from communities under-represented to explore a career in the justice system. The event will be held in the Byron Gjerde Facility (Building H) at CBC on November 2 from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. For more information, contact Molly Curtiss at tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org or 509.544.5787.
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The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is sponsored by the Washington State Minority & Justice Commission, Educational Service District 123, Columbia Basin Community College, Office of Diversity, Latina/o Bar Association of Washington (LBAW), Seattle University School of Law, Gonzaga University School of Law, and University of Washington School of Law.
PASCO, WA – At their regular board meeting this evening, Educational Service District 123 welcomed Mr. Terry Brandon as the newest member of the board of directors. He is filling the vacancy for District #1 left by the resignation of Brad Gingerich after 31 years of service on the ESD 123 Board. District #1 includes all of Asotin-Anatone, Clarkston, Pomeroy, Dayton, Starbuck, Kahlotus and Othello School Districts, as well as part of North Franklin School District.
Mr. Brandon has worked in the education system for 44 years, having most recently served as Superintendent of Riverdale School District in Oregon for five years. His prior experience also includes an eight-year tenure as Executive Director of Human Resources at Marysville School District, four years as Superintendent of Pomeroy School District, and 21 years in various teaching and coordinating roles at Cheney School District.
“After completing a career in education, I would like to become involved at a broader level to provide support for instruction whenever possible,” says Mr. Brandon.
Mr. Brandon will be officially sworn into the director position on Tuesday, November 20. For more information, contact ESD 123 Director of Communications Molly Curtiss at tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org or 509.544.5787.
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About ESD 123: Educational Service District 123, based in Pasco, WA, is one of nine ESDs in Washington. Dedicated to delivering collaborative solutions that promote learning, ESD 123 serves 23 school districts in seven counties of Southeastern Washington. Under Superintendent Darcy Weisner and its board of directors, this legislatively mandated, not-for-profit educational organization provides efficiency of educational systems and equity of learning opportunities for over 70,000 Washington students. For more information about ESD 123, please call 509-544-5700 or 888-547-8441 or visit www.esd123.org.
PASCO, WA – One former Pasco High School student is encouraging students and schools to participate in the annual Tri-Cities Youth & Justice Forum. Now in its 15th year, this annual event allows professionals in the justice system to share their experiences and expertise with middle and high school students. This year’s Youth & Justice Forum takes place on November 2nd at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.
Stefanie Valencia, now an associate attorney at Gravis Law in Richland, will be among the professional participants meeting and talking with students. Born and raised in Pasco by immigrant parents, Ms. Valencia attended the forum as a student at Pasco High. The experience supported her in becoming the first in her family to attend law school.
“This event gave me the opportunity to get the advice I needed to take those first steps to become an attorney,” says Ms. Valencia. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to help students who share my background and the anxiety I felt when I was their age.”
Through presentations and discussions with local attorneys, judges, and other law professionals, students will expand their understanding of the justice system and the resources and opportunities available to them within it. One of the principal goals of this full-day forum is to encourage students from communities under-represented in the justice system to explore a career in the justice system.
The Youth & Justice Forum will be held in the Byron Gjerde Multipurpose Facility (Building H) at CBC on November 2 from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. The event is free for all 8-12th grade students (schools must pre-register). For more information, contact Molly Curtiss at tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org or 509.544.5787.
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The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is sponsored by the Washington State Minority & Justice Commission, Educational Service District 123, Columbia Basin Community College, Office of Diversity, Latina/o Bar Association of Washington (LBAW), Seattle University School of Law, Gonzaga University School of Law, and University of Washington School of Law.