One Judge-One School Outreach Program Unveiled

ATLANTIC CITY – Assignment Judge Julio Mendez has announced a new program that pairs 17 of the high schools in Atlantic and Cape May counties with a Superior Court judge who will be a liaison between the schools and the courts. Superior Court Judge Mark Sandson will oversee the One Judge-One School Program, a community outreach effort that will begin in January 2013 and conclude at the end of the current school year in June. The focus of the program will be the national Law Day 2013 theme, “Realizing the Dream: Equality for All.”
“One Judge-One School is an effort to open the doors of the courthouse to the community, to teach about the law and the judicial system, and to have judges serve as positive role models for the students. I am delighted with the energy, commitment and leadership of our judges and staff to expand our community outreach efforts. I am particularly pleased that Judge Mark Sandson will be leading us in this effort with the assistance of staff,” stated Mendez in a release.
Judges will work with schools to provide programs that complement the curriculum, such as class visits, assemblies, or mentoring. The judges will visit the schools at least twice this spring, and students will be invited to local courthouses to tour the facilities, meet court personnel, and observe court proceedings.
“This is going to enhance our current comprehensive community outreach program and ultimately continue our goal of educating our young adult community. The vicinage has formed strong partnerships with schools and the community through the efforts of all of our judges and staff,” said Trial Court Administrator Howard H. Berchtold Jr.
“The Atlantic Cape May vicinage is committed to reaching out to our community. We are very proud of the One Judge-One School Program and hope to make this an annual program. Our goal is to have all high schools in Atlantic and Cape May Counties participate,” said Judge Mendez.
Contact community liaison Kathleen Obringer at 609-594-3346 or Kathleen.obringer@judiciary.state.nj.us to learn more about the outreach programs.