On December 13^th Central Indiana Teen Courts held its annual Teen Court Volunteer Recognition Banquet at the premier law firm of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis. All youth and adult volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation.

Additional certificates were awarded in humorous categories, including:

• John Amy (dedicated): "24-carat gold"
• Christene Benvenga (in a pinch): "In a pinch"
• Adam and Alex Dowbnia (dedicated): "True Blue"
• Quinten Smith (enthusiastic):  "Tazmanian Devil Enthusiasm Award"
• Will Cordell (dedicated): "Old Faithful"
• Tommaso Verderame (dedicated): "Dedicated Devotion"
• Jenna and Jessica Faulstich (travel and recruitment):  "Going the Distance"
• Evan and Lauren Busch (recruitment for TC): "TC Scouts"
• Andrew and Sarah Grace Fraser (recruitment):  "TC Head Hunters"
• Christina Miller (in a pinch): "Stuck on TC"
  

Mentors (all dedicated and in a pinch)

• Lakeesha Triggs:  "Legal Beagle"
• Amanda Whipple:  "Cool counsel"
• Shelley Jackson: "Awesome Advisor"

Judges

• Tic Tac (most involved/veteran): "Marathon Man"
• Stanley Kahn (in a pinch/building assets): "Cornerstone of Character"
• Michael Gabovitch: "In a pinch"
• Mary Hoeller (in a pinch/go with the flow): "Go with the Flow"
• Matt Miller (accommodating/helpful): "Self-sacrificing"
• Jennifer Lukemeyer: "True Blue"

Several adult and youth volunteers had the opportunity to share about their personal experience with Teen Court. Kelly Rota-Autry, key-note speaker, former Marion County Truancy Court Magistrate and enthusiastic supporter of Teen Court shared words of wisdom and heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers. Karen Dowbnia, a parent of two Teen Court volunteers spoke about her commitment and challenged other parents to become more involved in Teen Court. John Amy, a youth volunteer for over 3 years expressed his passion for helping at-risk youth and how Teen Court has been instrumental in fulfilling that passion. Jimmie “Tic Tac” McMillian, a seasoned Teen Court judge, shared his personal story of being an at-risk youth and the opportunity given to him for a second chance. He has dedicated his time and talents to Teen Court for over ten years.

A special thanks was given to Barnes & Thornburg for their support and allowing Teen Court host the event at their law firm.

Central Indiana Teen Courts is a program of Reach for Youth, Inc.  Reach for Youth’s mission is “to be a key resource for families, schools, the juvenile system and other community agencies serving youth."