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 We
want to thank a new partner, Ogden and Sullivan P.A.,
Civil Trial Lawyers, for designing and facilitating
Law Matters -
a career development series for our 8th grade class.
While moving forward on planning ideas for a mock trial
and teaching students mediation skills, Tim Sullivan
facilitated the first session - a "Judges Showcase".
An incredible array of distinguished federal and state
court judges shared their wisdom and knowledge with
the class for a 90 minute session.
Our prestigious group of judges included: Charlene
Honeywell, Manny Menendez, Jr., Mary Scriven, Thomas
Stringer, and Charles Wilson.
 Initially,
Mr. Sullivan proposed to the judges a series of questions
which were the result of a previous brainstorming session
with the students. Subsequently, the judges broke into
small groups to have more detailed, face to face conversations
with students. Each small group had the opportunity
to visit with two judges.
The Judges shared critical lessons and concepts regarding
the workings of the judicial system. They told stories
of how average, unsuspecting people can become caught
up in criminal behavior, particularly where drug trafficking
is involved. Drug issues relate to the most serious
and pervasive crimes facing all of our courts-criminal,
civil and family. They stressed the importance of community
education and taking the time to give insights into
the judicial system especially how it permeates our
society in a positive way.
 Reflections
were made on: why and how they became lawyers and judges,
the difficulty of making decisions under Florida law
with respect to the death penalty, recommendations for
making the judicial system better, and reiterating their
commitment of service to our state and country.
Students asked questions
such as:
- What type of education do you need to become a judge?
- Why did you decide to become a lawyer and judge?
- What is the most prevalent issue being addressed
in the courts?
- What are examples of the toughest cases you have
heard?
- How do you handle your own emotions when making
decisions that alter people's lives so significantly?
- What would you change about the judicial system
to make it better?
 Students
React:
Academy Prep students had many reactions, including
these:
It was interesting to see
a person that is just below the United States Supreme
Court - to meet a woman that is stepping up to the plate
to make a difference.
I learned that you may think
laws and rules don't affect other professions, but the
law affects everything we do.
The session inspired me
to work harder to achieve my goals. I could see their
work as a vocation - how the judges love to share their
knowledge. I appreciate them spending their time with
my classmates and me.
 Judges
React Too:
The judges shared with APCT students how very impressed
they were with the difficult questions asked; the students'
willingness to jump in and debate together matters of
law; their actual knowledge of the law and courts; and
their respectful approach. One judge shared, "In
ten years of making presentations to grade school and
middle school students, this is the first time I was
not asked what my salary is. I am very impressed with
your interest and respect of our work."
 We
are very grateful to the Judges, Tim Sullivan and Randy
Ogden for this special presentation in our Law Matters
sessions. THANK YOU!
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Pulling together a dynamic health collaborative, The
Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and BlueCross
BlueShield of Florida designed and funded an 18-week
course for the sixth grade boys and girls that complemented
their fall running program initiated by The Lightning Foundation.
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County
also contributed funds for the course. Kicking off with a
student knowledge assessment, students gobbled
up both the healthy snacks and the healthy living
know-how shared by an incredible group of partner volunteers
and staff.
This
is the third year of our Focus on Success program. Through
the volunteer efforts of our community partners, Charlie Poe
and Jonathan Field, 7th grade students have explored goal
setting, values and belief identification, decision-making,
communication skills, and time and financial management. 
Tameka
Evans started at Academy Prep as an AmeriCorps volunteer
teacher, went to reserve training for a year, and returned
to APCT as the girl’s math teacher.
Seeking
Volunteer Coaches For The Golf Academy
