Shoreham-Wading River High School seniors Brielle Burtts, Alexander Gallo, April Haarke, Harley Loscalzo, Everette McClintock, Michela Nobre and Harrison Zeller have been invited to attend the Town of Riverhead Youth Court Senior Recognition on March 24, where they will be honored for their dedication and community service to the Town of Riverhead’s judicial system. 

Through Youth Court, high school volunteers in grades 9-12 receive a closeup understanding of the law and the workings of the Justice Court System through training by law enforcement officials to serve in the roles of judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, clerk-bailiff, jury foreperson and juror. Youth Court is a voluntary alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system for first-time offenders under the age of 20 who have committed a violation of misdemeanor crime. Actual cases are referred from Suffolk County Probation and Riverhead Justice Court and go to trial with Riverhead Youth Court members in an actual courtroom setting. The offender is also held accountable for his/her crime by appearing before a court of their peers for a trial or sentence hearing.   

Youth Court Coordinator Elizabeth C. Maccagli said the seniors have given 110% and have been called upon to mentor less experienced members. “In true student-leadership fashion, all have advanced from their positions as a Youth Court Member to taking on the various roles in Youth Court Trials,” Ms. Maccagli said. “We appreciate their dedication and countless hours of community service that they have provided to the Town of Riverhead.”