Pierce County Superior Court Judge G. Helen Whitener hosted students from Lincoln High School’s Street Law Class in her courtroom. Judge Whitener is an instructor in the Street Law program and as part of the class, brought the students to the County-City Building. Students heard presentations from Presiding Judge Elizabeth Martin, Judge Frank Cuthbertson, Judge Timothy Ashcraft, Commissioner Sabrina Ahrens and Court Administrator Chris Gaddis. They also discussed court functions with Judge Whitener’s Judicial Assistant Rasheedah McGoodwin and observed “Real Time” court reporting from Court Reporter Kim O’Neill. After the presentations, students observed court proceedings in several courtrooms. According to Judge Whitener, the students were truly intrigued by how much work goes into making the court run.
Lincoln High School’s Street Law class strives to empower young people to be active, engaged citizens by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully participate and create change in their communities.