During Camp Parkside, students enrolled in 7th and 8th grade had the opportunity to learn more about the Justice System while taking part in a Junior Sheriff’s Academy with Waushara County School Resource Officer Deputy Lafe Hendrickson and teacher Brittaney Strobl.
Throughout the four weeks, the course allowed students to learn in a hands-on manner, including participating in daily duties, physical training, mock scenes, tours at the Waushara County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Department as well as detective evidence collection, K-9 training, dispatch, EMS, lawyer experiences and finally a Mock Trial with Honorable Judge Guy Dutcher on the final day of Camp. The students enrolled in the course, included: Allison Quist, Elijah Sowma, Laynie Vaughan, Allie Rodgers, Sophie Klimke, Anahi Caballero, along with Student Teaching Assistant Cami Culver.
In preparation for the mock trial, the students collaborated together to attempt to either acquit or convict their volunteer defendant, Julia Staehler. The students also learned how the prosecutor, defendant and defense attorney always need to show respect to the judge and the entire process while in the courtroom.
Over the past several years, Wautoma Area School District staff members have collaborated with the guidance counselors to promote character education throughout all four schools. The WASD Character Education Committee believes it is important and necessary for staff, students, parents, and community members to help instill these values in the next generation.
Planning is currently underway for the second district-wide Character Day on Wednesday, October 12, and the committee is looking to get the community involved. Any volunteers or community organizations interested in working with the WASD Character Day Committee should contact Julie Petersen (petersenj@wautoma.k12.wi.us) or Courtney Vaughan (vaughanc@wautoma.k12.wi.us) for more information.
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Camp Parkside Junior Sheriff’s Academy student Allison Quist presents evidence to the court during the Mock Trial held on July 1 at the Waushara County Courthouse. This was the first year Waushara County School Liaison Officer Lafe Hendrickson taught a Junior Sheriff’s Academy at Camp Parkside for 7th and 8th grade students.