– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Members of the Granville County Teen Court walked away with top honors at the recent Teen Court Statewide Mock Trial Summit Competition held over the weekend in Concord.

Seven youth from Granville County joined more than 200 others from across the state to showcase their skills in the 26^th annual competition, hosted by the N.C. Teen Court Association. They assumed roles of attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and defendants to compete against other counties’ teams. Participants and their roles 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. 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 Douglass-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.

Before the awards were given out,  Glenn Smith, the executive director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc., gave a presentation to discuss restorative justice and the advantages of diversion programs like Teen Court.

Granville County Extension Director Charissa Puryear accompanied the group.

“This was an exhilarating moment for our youth volunteers,” Puryear said. “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 gets funding support from agencies like Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and the County of Granville. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office also supports the effort, as well as the schools the students attend.

Key support comes from adult volunteers who play a crucial role in the Teen Court program, including Judge Katherine Burnette, S. Quon Bridges, and Lori Dutra, who provide invaluable support and feedback during Teen Court sessions, and who prepare 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 as well.