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Fort Bend Independent School DistrictNEWS RELEASE |
** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
FBISD Student Leadership Group Learns about Leadership Roles in the Judicial System
FORT BEND ISD ― Members of Fort Bend ISD's Junior Student Leadership Program learned about leadership roles in the judicial system and juvenile detention program as part of their third monthly seminar. Hosted by FBISD Board Members Marilyn Glover and David Reitz, the students toured the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department and the Fort Bend County Courthouse and learned about the juvenile justice system from experts in the field.
At the Juvenile Probation Department, students experienced limitations first-hand when they were told not to enter the facility with personal belongings, such as purses, cell phones or cameras. The group received an even clearer picture of life within the system when they received a tour of the facility by Alfred Fraser, Detention Superintendent; and Frankie Hill, Assistant Detention Superintendent. The students toured the 80-bed facility, paying special attention to the Intake area, sleeping quarters, recreation area, cafeteria, and administrative offices.
“It was a very interesting and eye-opening experience to see what those detained do inside the
Next, the leadership group visited the Fort Bend County Courthouse to meet Judge R. H. Sandy Bielstein of County Court at Law No. 4. Judge Bielstein gave students a brief lesson on the make-up of the county judicial system and reminded them of the role they play in society. “As members of your leadership group, you serve as role models to others by virtue and your own conduct and behavior,” Bielstein said.
“I think this session was excellent for leadership development, because it showed students a real-life picture of what happens when juveniles violate the law,” said Glover. “It also gave them a wonderful insight into the courtroom and what a judge does. Overall, I think this leadership group has learned far more than they could have from just reading about these things in a book.”
After their field trip, the leadership group took part in Strengths Finder exercises, led by Dr. Olwen Herron, FBISD Chief Accountability and Organizational Development Officer; and Beth Martinez, Director of the FBISD Department of Organizational Development. The activities were designed to help students reveal and develop their strengths or natural leadership abilities. As a homework assignment, Dr. Herron encouraged students to work with others in a group to enhance one of their strengths. The session concluded with closing discussions and “hot topics” led by program facilitator, Lynda Ruther.
“It’s rare that high school students have the opportunity to take part in this type of leadership program,” said Reitz. “The students are able to network with actual community leaders and people outside of their circle who can be a great resource to them in the future. I would have loved to be a part of something like this when I was in high school.”
The group’s next session will focus on leadership in the business community.
Shown at the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department are (from left) students Krit Mahankali of Clements High School, Arielle Tan of Hightower High School, FBISD Board Members Marilyn Glover and David Reitz, and student Reece Price of Bush High School.
Photo 2: Pictured with Judge R. H. Sandy Bielstein are (clockwise, from left) students Quintessa Andrews of Austin High School, Shayak Sengupta of Hightower High School, Gregory Fournier of Kempner High School, FBISD Board Member Marilyn Glover, and FBISD Board Secretary, David Reitz (forefront).
Photo 3: Dr. Olwen Herron, FBISD Chief Accountability and Organizational Development Officer, (top center) helped lead students in a Strengths Finder lesson to help reveal their leadership abilities.
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