By Jisel Dupree, Black Gwinnett Intern Staff Writer, Senior at Georgia State University
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural class of the Gwinnett County Office of the District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson new initiative — the Junior District Attorney/ Investigator Mentorship Program. This program is being held at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center and started on June 15, 2022. It will run nine days through June 29 culminating with a graduation at the center.
The Junior District Attorney/Investigator Mentorship Program program was open to high school and college students to learn more about the Gwinnett County court system. To kick off the day, students introduced themselves and played human bingo as an ice breaker! Terrell Patrick, MPA, Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships at Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office provided an inspirational moment, and an overview on the role of the District Attorney (DA) office.
The overall idea was “A winner is a dreamer that never gives up!” This set the overall mood for the day! We learned what a district and assistant district attorney were and the daily duties of their roles. Throughout the day, we were quizzed on crucial terminology and vocabulary during the presentations. I thought this was an excellent method to help everyone remember the essential phrases. Surprisingly, the students were engaged and regularly participated throughout the day. It was very refreshing to see the active engagement between everyone. The officials provided a positive environment for everyone to grow and learn in.
All attendees were provided lunch and it gave us an opportunity to talk to one another and learn more about where we were from, what school we attended, and the opportunity to attend the Gwinnett County Junior District Attorney/ Investigator Mentorship Program. Towards the end of the day, we were given a grand tour of the courthouse and met some employees from each department. Everyone was friendly and welcoming overall, and this experience was very educational and exciting!
I am looking forward to covering the program and learning more about the Office of the District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson and the Junior District Attorney/Investigator Program. And please mark your calendar for the program’s graduation on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 6:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice Administration Center.
What: Gwinnett County Office of the District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson Junior District Attorney/ Investigator Mentorship Program.
When: June 15 – 29, 2022 | Graduation June 29, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Auditorium
Where: Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA
For more information on the DA’s office, visit https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/Departments/DistrictAttorney.
To
Jisel Dupree
From
Marguerite Dupree Jenkins
Your Great Aunt
Your grandfather is proud of you and shared this article with me. I am also proud of you 👏🏽 my great niece.
I liked the “Human Ice Breaker” text me details.
Also, “A winner is a dreamer that never gives up.” Seems you are “A Winner!”
Keep on being “A Winner!”,
Marguerite Dupree Jenkins