Valdosta Municipal Court Judge Vernita Lee Bender recently received a Special Recognition Award for the City of Valdosta’s Mock Trial Program, which seeks to educate area youth on the workings of local government.

Judge Bender received the honor at the annual Municipal Court Judges Council and Meeting, held in June at Jekyll Island, Georgia. Each year, the organization recognizes municipal court judges who have implemented innovative new programs.

The Mock Trial Program, which Judge Bender created in 2006 in collaboration with the city's Public Information Office, is one of many educational programs the city offers to inform and educate area youth about local government. Since implemented, the program has impacted hundreds of youth from area public and private schools.

During their visits to the Valdosta Court, youth are given a tour of the courthouse, learn about the legal process and are allowed to participate in an age-appropriate Mock Trial. This interactive teaching tool also allows students to perform one of their future civic duties, acting as the jury and determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.

"I strongly believe programs such as Mock Trial proactively teach local youth about their civic responsibilities as well as the consequences of poor decision making," Judge Bender said.  “As community role models, my staff and I seek these positive interactions with youth as opportunities to inspire them to become productive and contributing members of society.”

The Valdosta Municipal Court can accommodate groups small and large, from 10 students to 100. For more information on the Mock Trial Program or other educational programs the city offers, contact the Public Information Office at (229) 259-3548.