With is mission to inspire and enable youth in the community to realize their full potential as productive, healthy, responsible, and caring citizens, The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington sponsored a College and Careers night on Nov. 9. The event was held at the Boys and Girls Club Gym in Burlington. The Club invited participants from other local youth organizations, including King Street Youth Center and Spectrum to attend, and kids ranging from fourth grade through high school had an opportunity to learn about various higher education and career options and opportunities, including those in law. The students heard about the wide world of the law from working attorneys, superior court judges, and even a Vermont Supreme Court Justice (Nancy Waples).
In addition to having an opportunity to talk (and share snacks) with legal professionals, the evening included a raffle and other swag giveaways. VBA President Judith Dillon was on hand with copies of pocket constitutions and the VBA’s “On Your Own” book, which outlines legal rights and obligations relevant to young people as they cross into adulthood.
Thanks to the Employment Law Section Chair Stephen Ellis of Paul of Frank + Collins who helped organize the event, to the Boys and Girls Club, to the kids who attended, and, of course to the legal professionals who came to share their experiences with the kids. These included Superior Court Judge Beth Novotny, and Vermont Supreme Court Justice Nancy Waples. We would also like to thank the legal professionals who attended, including: VBA President Judith Dillon, VBA Board Members Alfonso Villegas, Esq. of Gravel & Shea PC and Pam Eaton, Esq. of Paul Frank + Collins. Also present from Paul Frank were Kathy Zhou, Esq., Christopher Leff, Esq., Peter McDougall, Esq, and Laurie Noyes. Marilyn Mahusky and Beriah Smith of Stitzel Page, & Fletcher, Alex Hunter of Dinse P.C., Celeste Laramie, Esq. and Heather Hammond, Esq. of Grave & Shea PC were also there to meet the kids and share their experiences along with State Court Administrator Teri Corsones, Esq.
(Thanks to Alfonso Villegas for his contributions to this post and to Judith Dillon for the photographs below).