IN THIS ISSUE

Phone: 907-274-5986 * Fax: 907-272-0491 * 838 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska * PO Box 100359, Anchorage, Alaska 99510Email: info@anchorageyouthcourt.org * www.anchorageyouthcourt.org

J. Brian GrossJustice Dana Fabe . . . . . . . 2

Presidential Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

UYCA Conference . . . . . 4

Race Judicata . . . . . . . . . 5

Gavel Games . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wilson CondonAnessa Feero . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee . . . 9

Josh Heppner Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Dear Supporters and AYC Alumni,

I am always so awestruck and touched by every hour volunteered, every word-of-mouth referral for new volunteers, and every dollar of financial support that you give to Anchorage Youth Court. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of an organization filled with inspiring and dedicated youth, community partners, staff, and supporters. Almost thirty years since it started, AYC continues to be a positive, impactful, and relevant organization because you continue to support it and bring new supporters and youth volunteers into the fold. Thank you.

In our last Gavel, we asked you to help us meet our 2015 fundraising goal, and you did! In the time since, we have been pretty busy. In this newsletter, you can find a bit of information about what we have been up to over the past six months since the last Gavel newsletter. I hope you enjoy these updates about what we are doing to further justice for youth by youth.

I recently got a call from the mother of one of our volunteers. Her son joined about a year ago, and she was calling to tell us what a difference volunteering at AYC has made in his life. He has gained confidence through youth court that she has seen in other areas of his life and has learned about goal-setting and time management because he wants to be able to have time to participate in youth court. He and our youth volunteers have given over 2000 hours in the first four months of 2016. They have been attorneys and judges on cases, been trained as trainers on positive youth development, and participated in the statewide youth courts conference that AYC hosted March 31st-April 2nd.

Our youth defendants are also doing well. They are completing their sentences at a higher rate: 86% in the past year, as opposed to 70% previously. We attribute this to changes in how we follow up with our defendants through using positive youth development principles. I want to leave you with these words from one of our defendant’s required essays:

With the help of Anchorage Youth Court, I have had the opportunity to give 22 hours of community service, enabling me to better myself in school, church, and sports. I believe that I have been able to improve in all of these areas. It was a long process, and it wasn’t all too easy . . . [I]t has helped me better understand what I have, and how I’ve simply taken advantage of the little things. I’ve learned to also cope with my emotions, being that everything doesn’t really revolve around me. I’ve learned to be more aware of what I say and do because they don’t just affect me.

Thank you,Rebecca KofordExecutive Director

AYC Welcomes J. Brian Gross to the Board of Directors

Spring Gavel 2016....page 2

J. Brian Gross, Legal Counsel at ExxonMobil Alaska, attended grades 2-12 in the Anchorage School District and participated in Debate and Forensics while attending Service High School. Brian received his law degree from Brigham Young University, after obtaining bache-lor’s degrees in economics and Russian and living in central Russia for two years as a missionary. Brian previously worked as an Associate for the Anchorage law firm Guess & Rudd and as a Law Clerk for Judge Ralph

Beistline of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.

Brian and his wife, Britta, have three children in elementary school who are passionate and relentless advocates of fairness. Brian is excited to be involved in supporting the AYC organization and promoting AYC’s mission for upcoming youth.

AYC STAFFRebecca Koford Executive Director

Denise WikeLegal Advisor

Noelle FabianoEvents & Communications Coordinator

Jessen CaoCase Coordinator

Rainier HerczegCase Coordinator

Rosalie MakarOffice Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORSCO-CHAIRSChris Wyatt, BPBrandon Thomas**CO-SECRETARIES Zack Fields, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce DevelopmentSarah Chen*

CO-TREASURERCindy Hulquist, CPA, Thomas Head & Greisen, PCTrevor Bailly*MEMBERSCindy Allred, ANCSA Regional CorporationMyron Fanning, Nana Management ServicesJ. Brian Gross,ExxonMobil AlaskaAndrew Hampton**Thomas Hanks**Bobby Jefts, Anchorage School DistrictJohn Jones*Robert Kosinski*Suzanne Little,Non-Profit ProfessionalPeter Maassen,Alaska Supreme CourtBrynn Morse**Rachael Shaw-Rosenbaum*Kelly Taylor,Public Defender AgencyCharles “Joe” Tung**Arielle Wiggin**Koran Young*

*Current student members**Outgoing student members - Thank you for your service.

A Special Thank You...We would like to thank Tiffany Thomas and Ki Jung Lee for their service on the Board of Directors. You will be missed!

Congratualations...Dana Fabe, Alaska Supreme Court Justice, AYC supporter and trainer, is retiring after 27 years on the bench. We thank Justice Fabe for all of her years of service to Anchorage Youth Court and congratulate her on her retirement!

Young Adult (age 16 and older)

Gold Award – 250+ hours John Jones

Silver Award – 175 - 249 hours Sydney McQuaideBrynn Morse

Bronze Award – 100 – 174 hours Trevor BaillySarah ChenAnessa FeeroSamuel HallRobbie KosinskiWillem MeehanBrandon Thomas

Teen (age 11 – 15)

Gold Award – 100+ hours Bernice Lloyd Jessica SmithKoran Young

Silver Award – 75 – 99 hours Noah CusickKiera PeaceErica SantaellaRachael Shaw-Rosenbaum

Bronze Award – 50 – 74 hours Megan BuwaldaNia HastingsWhitney HoffVictoria RamboAaron RudeJessica Woo

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes volunteers who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month period. Awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of a volunteer’s service achievement. This year 23 AYC members were awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Above: Recipients of the Presidential Service Award

“(AYC) has encouraged me to be a better citizen and help others as much

as possible.”- AYC Member

John Jones, Recipient of the Presidential Gold Award

Spring Gavel 2016....page 3

Anchorage Youth Court hosted this year’s United Youth Courts of Alaska State Conference. Just over 150 youth members from around the state came together over two and a half days to learn how to improve their communities through peer-based restorative justice.

The conference had a diverse range of speakers presenting topics related to youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including sessions about youth homelessness, suicide prevention, drugs and teen brain development, and creating positive outcomes. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour McLaughlin Youth Center and take part in a drunk driving simulation from Homer Police’s Project Drive.

Thank you to the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice and GCI for sponsoring the conference. We also thank our many presenters, parent volunteers, and in-kind donors. We could not have done it without you!

2016 UYCA Presenters & Guest SpeakersAdolf Zeman, Landye Bennett Blumstein LLPAnchorage Mayor Ethan BerkowitzAnessa Feero, Anchorage Youth CourtBarbara Jacobs, Alaska Institute for JusticeBeth Schuerman, Alaska Injury Prevention CenterBilly Farrell, Idendity, Inc. Brandon Hunter, Anchorage Police DepartmentBrynn Morse, Anchorage Youth CourtCaitlyn McFadden, Alaska Office of Public AdvocacyCiara Johnson, Anchorage Youth Development Coalition Craig Condie, Alaska Court SystemDeb Periman, University of Alaska AnchorageDeborah BockDeborah Casello, You Are Not AloneGinny Espenshade, Kenai Peninsula Youth Court Heather Harris, The Foraker GroupHon. David Wallace, Alaska Court SystemHon. Herman Walker, Alaska Court SystemHon. Joann Chung, Alaska Court SystemHon. Leslie Dickson, Alaska Court SystemHon. Peter Maassen, Alaska Court SystemHon. Sen Tan, Retired from Alaska Court SystemJamon Morgan, The Solution ProjectJason Brandeis, University of Alaska Anchorage Joel Kiekintveld, Parachutes Josh Ahsoak; Delisio, Moran, Geraghty & Zobel, PCJosh Lovwerse, Covenant HouseKira Bishop, Division of Juvenile JusticeLogan Daniels, Volunteers of America AlaskaLt. Will Hutt, Homer Police DepartmentMary Bullis, Alaska Public Defender AgencyMichael Spigarelli, MD, University of UtahHon. Morgan Christen, 9th Circuit Court of AppealsRob Wood, Division of Juvenile JusticeRuth Schoenleben, Nine Star Education and Employment ServicesRyan Fortson, University of Alaska AnchorageSarah Park, Alaska Court SystemSgt. Ryan Browning, Homer Police DepartmentShannon Eddy, Alaska Office of Victims’ Rights Sinedou Pulou, Anchorage Youth CourtSonia Santaella, Anchorage Youth CourtStephanie Galbraith, Department of LawSydney McQuaide, Anchorage Youth CourtSylvia Craig, Alaska Injury Prevention CenterTanja Webley, Division of Juvenile JusticeTrevor Storrs, Alaska Children’s TrustU.S. Senator Dan SullivanYaari Walker, Alaska Native Heritage CenterZara Smelcer, Volunteers of America Alaska

United Youth Courts of Alaska State Conference

THANK YOU APDEA!

In March, Dani Myren from the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association presented Anchorge Youth Court a check for $3,300. APDEA raised money for local non-profits through their annual Police Navidad in December. Thank you APDEA for your continued support of AYC and all that you do for the community!

2016 Race JudicataThe 12th annual Race Judicata raised over $7,000 with 115 runners, walkers, and canine friends! A very BIG thank you to the Young Lawyers Section of the Anchorage Bar Association for organizing and sponsoring the event.We would also like to thank all of this year’s sponsors, donors and volunteers. We appreciate your support!

Ashburn & Mason, P.C. - Atikinson, Conway, & Gagnon, Inc. - Big Dipper ConstructionDavis, Wright, Tremaine LLP - Law Office of Gavin Ketch, LLC - Sedor Wendlandt Evans & Filippi LLC

Landye Bennett Blumstein LLC - Law Office of Monica Elkinton - Tim Lewis

Alaska Mill and Feed - Anchorage Yoga & Cycle - Better Health Chiropractic & Physical RehabBusy Beans - China Garden - Fromaggio’s Artisan Cheese - Moose a la Mode - Moose’s Tooth

Perfectionist Auto Sound - Phenom Meals - Wild Scoops

Race Sponsors

Race Donors

Spring Gavel 2016....page 5

Thank you to our live & silent auction donors:ak starfish co.Alaska AcesAlaska AirlinesAlaska Bead CompanyAlaska Industrial HardwareAlaska RailroadAlaska Rock GymAlaska Sealife CenterAlaska Wildlife Conservation CenterAnchorage Bucs Baseball ClubAnchorage Concert AssociationAnchorage Opera CompanyAnchorage Symphony OrchestraAnonymous AYC SupporterArtique Ltd.Bed Bath & BeyondBosco’sBradley HouseChair FiveCIRI Alaska Tourism CorporationCrostini CaféDharma Hot YogaDino’s DonutsDisneyland ResortDos ManosZack FieldsFiretap AlehouseGet Air Trampoline ParkGolden DonutsGrassroots Fair Trade StoreGreat Harvest Bread CompanyH2OasisIllusions Food CompanyInlet Tower Hotel & SuitesIrene Tresser, Chris Brown, Helena Hall, and Mike GrishamKaladi Brother’s CoffeeMajor Marine ToursMarie’s Beauty Salon & SupplyMiddle Way CaféMVP Sports Deli

Northern Smiles of AlaskaPrincess CruisesRed RobinRick HelmsSenator Dan Sullivan’s OfficeSevigny StudioSpenard RoadhouseSuite 100 RestaurantTastee FreezTerri Stinnett PhotographyThe Alaska ClubThe Alaska ZooThe Clothes Line ConsignmentThe DomeThe Flying Dutchman Pastry ShopThe Moose’s Tooth & Bear ToothTitle Wave BooksTrek StoreEmily WatersWilliams Family

GAVEL GAMESThe 12th Annual Gavel Games was held on Friday, March 4 at the UAA Cuddy Hall. We had 27 teams competing for top honors at this year’s event. Team Four Heads took first place in the most correct answers category and the Anchorage Bar Association’s team took first place in the highest score category. A very special thank you to BP for sponsoring the event.

Wilson L. Condon, 76, former Alaska attorney general and Department of Revenue commissioner, died on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at the Anchorage Pioneer Home. He was a longtime supporter of several nonprofit organizations, including Anchorage Youth Court.

Wilson served in various leadership roles on the Board of Directors from 2003 – 2011. His support and guidance were essential to AYC becoming the program it is today.

We would like to thank the following donors who gave in Wilson’s name:

Greg & Janet BidwellG. Brian BuseyJed DanielsonAndrea ElconinNancy EliasonDaniel HickeyMark JeffriesAndrew JordanWilliam and Bruce Kakel

Michael KailPeter and Ellen LekischRobert & Jane LoefflerNell LoftinDebbie McBridePEO Sisterhood Chapter EMildred RenkertSally and Frank RueMichael and Linda Smith

W. Stephen SmithSnow City CaféMarilyn StackThe Morrison & Foerster FoundationEdward and Michaela TwomeyDenise WikeDeborah Williams

Photo courtesy of legacy.com.

In Memory of Wilson C ond on

The famous fourfold Miranda warning signifies the government’s decision to insure the persistence of U.S. constitutional rights, deciding that insuring the protection of civil liber-ties was more important than persisting criminal convictions in the

process of insuring criminal justice. In Miranda v. Arizona (1966), Ernesto Miranda was convicted of kidnapping and raping a women in Phoenix, AZ due to his own confession under police interrogation, as he wasn’t aware of his 5th and 6th Amendment rights of freedom from self conviction and right to legal counsel during criminal proceedings. He was convicted of 20 to 30 years, but his case was appealed to the Supreme Court who favored Miranda with a 5-4 vote. Since he was in a setting where his freedom of action was restricted significantly in being interrogated, the Supreme Court declared that it was the duty of the law to protect him from self incrimination and uphold constitutional rights, setting an important legal precedent in what became a landmark Supreme Court case of the 20th century. As a result, police were now required to inform arrested persons of their 5th and 6th Amendment rights upon arrest in a statement known now as the Miranda Warning.

The Supreme Court decision on Miranda v. Arizona (1966) had huge legal and moral implications in the 1960s do to the legal reforms within this era. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren distinguished himself in history by leading the liberal minded Supreme Court under the presidency of Lyndon. B Johnson, his influence on par with Justice John Marshall who originally established the real power of the judiciary. His leadership equalized the powers of the judiciary against both other branches of government by upholding President Johnson’s Great Society legislative reform and continuing the tradition of judicial activism. The Warren Court already established several important judicial precedents with the decisions around Miranda v. Arizona (1966) being part of a pattern of criminal protections. In Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) and Escobedo v. Illinois (1964), the Court upheld the defendant’s right to state appointed legal counsel and introduced the right of the accused to remain silent and have counsel during crimi-nal investigations. These landmark cases coordinated with Miranda v. Arizona (1966) to create legal protections for all accused citizens, which was a revolutionary change during the social turmoil of the 1960s. African American Civil Rights activists were rebelling against police brutality in seg-regated neighborhoods while the American public watched police and local governments overreact to social movements occurring at this time. For example, police in Birmingham, AL used fire hoses and police dogs against black demon-

Congratulations to AYC member Anessa Feero for taking first place in Alaska’s 2016 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest for her essay on the 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona. Her essay will now go on to the regional contest. Below is Anessa’s essay.

What is the Youth Advisory Commission?Also known as the YAC, this Anchorage youth commission appointed by the Mayor, strives to support and advo-cate for youth in the city. With backing from the MOA, the commission has started to develop exciting ways to effect change. There are six sub committees of the YAC, the youth economic support, communications, education, youth service, community engagement, and financial committees. For more information on the Youth Advistory Commission please visit: www.muni.org

Congratulations to our AYC members and staff who were chosen to serve on the Anchorage Youth Adivsory Commission: Rainier Herczeg, Chair; Anessa Feero, Secretary; Javier Acuña, Youth Service Committee Chair; Brianna Bundick-Kelly, Community Engagement Chair; Evan Hines, Octavia Hines, John Jones, Communications Committee Chair; Brynn Morse, and Andrew Wiggin.

strators in 1963. Calls for reforms were apparent do to the sympathy that arose from the media broadcasting the brutality against protesters. The decisions by the Supreme Court socially meant that the judicial branch was deciding to side with these protestors and protect them in part against unlawful convictions. In response, conservative presidents tried to sway public opinion against the radical liberals, but ultimately failed. The legacy of the Miranda v. Arizona (1966) is readily visible within our judicial system today, with a focus on social justice and rehabilitation over a punitive system. Within jails, there are rehabilitation programs that are meant to better integrate convicts into society after they have served their sentences. There also are a wide range of diversionary programs that offer different sentencing

experiences that are options to rehabilitate prisoners. Foremost, there is a burden on prosecutors to legally convict someone by finding credible evidence without abridging the constitutional rights of the accused. The fourfold Miranda warnings unexpectedly integrated themselves into culture, spreading the knowledge of constitutional rights in an unexpected way that allows for a comparatively better criminal justice system that upholds its constitutional obligation to the people. In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision on Miranda v. Arizona (1966) during an era of social turbulence protected the constitutional rights of the individual and established a tradition that informs every generation of their own rights.

Over $100,000Municipality of Anchorage

$50,000 - $99,999State of Alaska Department of Health & Social Services, Division of Juvenile Justice

$10,000 - $49,999Gordon Pospisil & Blythe MarstonUnited Way of Anchorage

$5,000 - 9,999BP

$1,000 - $4,000Anchorage Bar AssociationAnchorage Police Dept. Employees AssociationClapp, Peterson, Tiemessen Thorsness & Johnson, LLCReed PackerSusan RossCatherine RichterStoel Rives LLPJames Torgerson & Morgan ChristenWells Fargo

$500 - $999Marie AllenBDOBirch, Horton, Bittner and Cherot

BP Foundation, Inc.Brown’s Electric Supply Co., Inc.Catapult ConsultingGCIFoley, Foley & Pearson, P.C.Michael KailCassandra KosinskiPetter JahnsenRichard JobePeter MaasenPerkins CoieRichmond & QuinnSedor, Wendlandt, Evans, & FilippiThomas, Head & Greisen, PCUkpeagvik Inupiat CorporationJeffrey Watters

Thank You to 2016 Supp orters (as of 5 /10/16)

Almost ten years ago my 8th grade social studies teacher had a flyer for Anchorage Youth Court classes. 13 year old me thought that sounded interesting, so I signed up, took the class, and a couple months later I was sworn in. For the next five years I participated in AYC, starting off as a bailiff and clerk, gradually rising through the attorney ranks, and became a judge. Dur-ing my last two years in the program I participated on the Board of Directors. My senior year I was elected President and Co-Chair of the Board of Direc-

tors. Along the way I went to a few conferences and a few fundraisers while continuing my court duties. As I took on more prominent roles, I was amazed at how much students can accomplish when given the chance that AYC gave us.

While in AYC I met a lot of great people, both fellow students and various adult community members, who wanted to make a positive difference. During my time in AYC, I believe I was involved with close to one hundred of my fellow peers who went

through our system. I like knowing that I, along with many others, helped to give those students a second chance. Those second chances provide immense opportunity for both the students and for the community. Young people have a lot of potential and a mistake early on should not hinder them from achieving the best they can do. AYC’s focus on restitution is especially important because it provides a meaningful and positive way for the offenders coming through the program to make up for their mistakes while simultaneously restoring the community.

Currently I’m in the master’s program for mechanical engineering at UAA and got my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in spring 2015. Despite not going into a legal field, I often use the skills I picked up from my time in AYC. In particular, public speaking and giving presentations are far easier for me now as a result of all the practice I had from my time in AYC. Even engineers have to get up and speak in front of other people, sometimes. Also, learning to interpret data and apply it to reach a conclusion was something I did often in AYC and still do now, albeit more with numbers now than with probable cause statements. I’m certain that my ability to communicate with other people has improved tremendously as a result of AYC and I believe that is the most important benefit I received. While I finish pursuing my studies in engineering and start my ca-reer, I know the skills and lessons I learned during my time in AYC will continue to assist me in all my future endeavors.

Alumni Sp otlight - Josh Heppner

Supporters Continued....$250 - $499Big Dipper Construction Inc.Landye BlumsteinMarie EvansBobby JeftsAlexander JoannidesTim LewisSnow City Café

Up to $249Anonymous DonorsAtkinson, Conway & Gagnon, Inc.Ashburn & Mason, P.C.Tracy BlevinsDavanh BrownG. Brian BuseyDavis Wright Tremaine, LLPAndrea ElconinNancy EliasonMonica ElkintonRobert HarrisDaniel HickeyPaul HonemanRoger HudsonGina Ireland-KellyTina Johnson-HarrisJohn JonesAndrew JordanWilliam KakelLaw Office of Gavin Kentch, LLCPeter LekischRobert LoefflerNell LoftinSusan MageeDebbie McBridePEO Sisterhood Chapter ELisa PhillipsZoya PonomarevaMildred RenkertSally RueRachael Shaw-RosenbaumMichael SmithMarilyn StackThe Morrison & Foerster FoundationMark Wiggin

Denise WikeDeborah Williams

In Kind Donations$1000 - $2500Alaska Airlines

$500 - $1000Alaska Railroad CorporationHolland America Line & Princess CruisesIrene Tresser, Chris Brown, Helena Hall, & Mike GrishamThe Dome

$100 - $499Alaska Industrial HardwareAlaska Wholesale Bakery LLC, dba: Illusions Food CompanyAnchorage Bucs Baseball Club, IncAnchorage Concert AssociationBosco’sCIRI Alaska Tourism CompanyZack FieldsFiretap Ale House O’MalleyFood Services Of AmericaFrontier Hangar Group, LLCGreat Harvest Bread CompanyCarol KofordPerfectionist Auto SoundTerri Stinnett PhotographyThe Clothesline ConsignmentTrek Store of AnchorageUAA Justice CenterEmily Waters

Up to $100AK Starfish Co.Alaska Bead CompanyAlaska Functional FitnessAlaska Mill and FeedAlaska RailroadAlaska SeaLife CenterAnchorage True Value HardwareAnchorage Yoga & CycleBetter Health Chiropractic & Physi-

cal RehabBusy BeansChair 5China GardenCrostiniDharma Hot YogaDinos DonutsDos Manos GalleryFromaggio’s Artisan CheeseGet AirGolden DonutsGrassroots Fair TradeH2OasisRichard HelmsJewel Lake Tastee-FreezKaladi BrothersMiddle Way CafeMoose a la ModeMoose’s ToothMVP Sports Deli & EateryPhenom MealsRebecca KofordRed Robin Alaska, Inc.Senator Dan Sullivan’s OfficeSevigny Studio & Alaskan ArtSpenard RoadhouseSuite 100 RestaurantThe Flying Dutchman Pastry ShopWild ScoopsMVP Sports Deli & EateryPerfectionist Auto SoundPhenom MealsRed Robin Alaska, Inc.Senator Dan Sullivan’s OfficeSevigny Studio & Alaskan ArtSpenard RoadhouseSuite 100 RestaurantTerri Stinnett PhotographyThe Clothesline ConsignmentThe DomeThe Flying Dutchman Pastry ShopTrek Store of AnchorageUAA Justice CenterWild ScoopsEmily Waters