Judge Staudt teams with law enforcement to impact young leaders

“Judge Edna Staudt made a great impact on my life by introducing me to the American justice system and allowing me to play an active role in it through the Williamson County YMCA Teen Court program.

 

“I was a high school student at the time and had no experience with law enforcement or the court system outside of mock trials in which I had participated.  Judge Staudt helped train me and a large number of other young people in what it means to sit on a jury, to interview a defendant as their attorney, and to even serve as the presiding judge in sentencing of juvenile defendants who have plead guilty or no-contendere to real Class C misdemeanors.

 

“However, the most important aspect of this program for me was when Judge Staudt invited members of law enforcement to speak to us about their responsibilities to the community and the impact their experiences have had on them.  I’ll never forget hearing a Williamson County Sheriff’s deputy talk about the challenges he’d faced as an officer of the law and how important it became for him to learn communication skills… skills that would de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation into a non-violent resolution without harm to either party, allowing the officer to return safely home to his family at night.

 

“Judge Staudt helped shape me into a better citizen. She has a passion for upholding the law and ensuring future generations are equipped to do the same.” Daniel Monroe, Former Student Volunteer 

Teen Court made a positive impact on former student Daniel Monroe

Daniel Monroe
Former Student Attorney, Presiding Judge

 

Courtroom is classroom

“I learned more about government and the courtroom through Judge Staudt’s Teen Court program than I did anywhere else. Whether you’re a jury member or an attorney, she was always a helpful resource for feedback and questions that I had.  ”  Brandon Chase, Former Teen Court Student Volunteer

 

Brandon Chase excelled as a Teen Court attorney

Brandon Chase
Former Teen Court
Student Attorney

 

 

 

 

Judge Staudt: A heart for our community

“Judge Staudt has a heart for teens, and for the community as a whole to grow through confronting our failures and mistakes. She has shown this for years through her support of Teen Court and her care for the community in general.

 

I have personally seen her invest in youth in order to introduce them to the justice system, as well as offer minors a chance to have a clean criminal record through facing their wrong choices in Teen Court, in front of individuals their age.

 

She is a wise choice for this position, because she will not only uphold the constitution and fight for fairness, but she will personally work hard to effect true change in individuals.” – Laura Peisker, Former Student Volunteer

Laura Peisker - Teen Court Staff

Laura Peisker
Former Student Staff Member

 

An encourager to youth

“Thanks to Judge Staudt’s training and mentorship through the Teen Court program, I learned about the importance of law enforcement and the legal profession in our community. Judge Staudt always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to; her encouragement and example has helped me achieve my own goals of attending law school and working in politics.

 

I am grateful to have learned from a strong conservative woman who loves her legal career so early in my life, and for the example she sets. I would not be where I am today without Judge Staudt and Teen Court.” Camille Peeples, Former Student Volunteer

Faithfully devoted to serving families and teens

“Participating in the Williamson County YMCA Teen Court, with Judge Staudt’s encouragement, was absolutely one of the best decisions I made in high school. Teen Court pulled me out of my shell and gave me the confidence to speak in public, to stand for justice, and to engage more deeply with others. I am very thankful for the way Judge Staudt has so faithfully devoted her time and energy to impact the lives of countless young people through the Teen Court program.” Margaret Umstattd, Former Student Volunteer

Margaret Umstattd Presiding Judge

Margaret Umstattd
Former Student Presiding Judge

 

A leadership coach to students

“Through the Williamson County YMCA Teen Court, I learned the importance of giving each individual the benefit of the doubt. Judge Staudt’s encouragement and coaching aided me not only in Teen Court, but later in life as I took on public relations work, including in the political world. Her leadership has made a significant impact on the lives in this community.” Eliza Adams, Former Student Volunteer

Teen Court Student Bailiff Attorney Presiding Judge

Eliza Adams
Former Student Presiding Judge