When Rhonda Redden ran for Williamson County Precinct 4 justice of the peace in 2022, one of her campaign goals was to institute a teen court program.
Redden witnessed the fruits of her labor this past week as the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Teen Court finished its inaugural year. One participant was also awarded the first-ever internship in the JP4 office.
A graduation ceremony May 11 at the Taylor Events Center, 3101 N. Main St., honored the 12 teen court participants hailing from seven public school districts and two area private schools.
Teen Court is run by students ages 13-17 who serve as a judge, attorneys, a bailiff and a clerk.
Students who have already pleaded guilty or no contest to a Class C misdemeanor — including traffic tickets, truancy or possessing small amounts of drugs or alcohol — are defended or prosecuted by teen attorneys with a sentence delivered by an actual jury of their peers.
Isabella “Bella” Hayes, a graduating senior at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 520 Washburn St., learned she was chosen for the JP4 internship.
Hayes said she applied for other internships, but her preference was the JP4 position.
“This was the one I could see myself in,” Hayes said.
The internship is paid by funds moved from a furniture budget.
“The pay isn’t really what matters to me. It’s the learning experience, building my experience and my resume,” said Hayes, who graduates May 23.
After the internship, she heads to Loyola University in Chicago this fall to study political science.
During the ceremony, Redden noted she started the program not only because she wanted to improve the court’s response to the needs of youth, but also “to create a foundation on which opportunities for career exploration and development were possible for our area students.”
Hayes was not the only student to benefit from the program.
Brooklyn Werchan, who was awarded Most Valuable Player at Teen Court, took part in the program because she wants to be a lawyer.
Werchan is finishing up her freshman year of high school and said the experience taught her how to prepare questions, improve her speeches and learn about courtroom procedure.
She plans to return to the JP4 Teen Court program again in the fall, as do several other participants.
“I saw her and her peers learn and grow each week in this program,” said parent Brandon Werchan.
Redden expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments and said they helped her make a dream come true.
“But mostly, I hope that each of you comes away with a better understanding of the judicial system and I hope the investment of your time in the program has resulted in an award that was a beneficial experience,” Redden said.
Students and adult volunteers can apply to the program at jp4juvenile@ wilcotx.gov.
For more, reach out to juvenile case manager Stephanie Teinert at 512-352-4103 or juvenile program coordinator Carrie Beran at 512-3524169.
The Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace office also conducted a teen court this year.
