Shoreham-Wading River High School students have been learning about the court system and judicial practices through the Riverhead Youth Court program this past year and several students recently “graduated” from the initiative. 
The Youth Court is a volunteer service program for students in grades 9-12 who are trained to assume the roles of judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, clerk-bailiff, jury foreperson and juror. Upon completion of the training, the students sign an oath of confidentiality and then conduct sentence hearings in an actual courtroom setting. Youth Court offers interested high school students a better understanding of the law and the workings of the justice court system through many hours of training by law enforcement professionals. In addition, members are able to develop their public speaking skills, learn effective debate techniques, and provide their peers and community with an invaluable service.
Congratulations to the following students for their participation and service: Brielle Burtts, Alexander Gallo, April Haarke, Harley Loscalzo, Everett McClintock, Michela Nobre  and Harrison Zeller.
 
Photo caption: Front row (l-r) Harley Loscalzo, April Haarke, Brielle Burtts; Back row (l-r)
Harrison Zeller, SWR High School Principal Frank Pugliese and Everett McClintock. Not pictured are Alexander Gallo and Michela Nobre.

Photo courtesy of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District