Community Service

On Monday, October 4th, 2021, I hosted the "Now That You're 18: The Legal Rights & Responsibilities" Assembly to inform the senior class at Madison County High School of what to expect when they reach adulthood at the age of 18. Some of the topics that were discussed include adult rights, the Virginia court system, Miranda Rights, internet safety, and more. This program was very successful in delivering an effective and engaging presentation to the students based on the Virginia State Bar and the expertise of the guest speakers.

I worked closely with several community leaders to develop an engaging and informative presentation to deliver. These individuals include Clarissa Berry (Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney), Wade Gelbert (Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney), Lauren Eanes (Director of Elections), Investigator Scott Woodward, and Investigator Frank Herrman.

Topics:

Clarissa Berry (Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney)- the basics of turning 18, the Virginia court system, scams, and useful resources for more information
Wade Gelbert (Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney)- internet safety, online reputation, and the advantages and disadvantages of social media
Investigator Scott Woodward & Investigator Frank Herrman- driving, traffic stops, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the process of arrests and bonds, and Miranda Rights
Lauren Eanes (Director of Elections)- voter registration and voting

Now That You're 18 Assembly Recording & Presentation

Feel free to view a recording of the assembly and the presentation below!

Now That You're 18 Assembly Presentation

Legacy

This project will have the legacy of educating the seniors in my local community about the legal rights and responsibilities of adulthood, helping them to become more informed adults and citizens, as well as to help them avoid the difficulties of adulthood.

Currently, there are plans in place for this program to continue to be delivered annually to the upcoming classes of seniors at Madison County High School. This program will have the long-lasting impact of assisting local students in becoming responsible and informed adults and citizens of society. Not only will this initiative have a positive effect on the students who attend, but also society as a whole. Society will gain responsible citizens from this program who are educated on their civic rights and responsibilities, as well as prepared for what lies ahead in adulthood.

My Supervisor & "Points of Contact"

I worked with several people of importance throughout the development of my community service project. My main supervisor was the Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney. I also worked closely with Wade Gelbert, Lauren Eanes, Investigator Scott Woodward, and Investigator Frank Herrman.

Clarissa Berry

My mentor for this project, including my internship and community service project, is Clarissa Berry. Clarissa Berry is the elected Commonwealth's Attorney of Madison County. Prior to being elected, Ms. Berry graduated from the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond. As the Commonwealth's Attorney, she carries out the prosecution of misdemeanors and felonies in Madison County, continuously maintaining Madison as a safe place. She works to pursue justice, as well as to ensure the protection of constitutional and legal rights. I have had a wonderful experience learning from her.

Pictured above is Clarissa Berry, the Madison County Commonwealth's Attorney.

Wade Gelbert

Wade Gelbert currently serves as the Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney of Madison County, and also serves as a cross-designated Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in political science in 2009 and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2013. Following law school, he clerked for a federal magistrate judge in Roanoke, Virginia for a year before becoming a prosecutor. Prior to coming to Madison, he served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the Culpeper County from 2014 to 2015. He has been a prosecutor in Madison since 2016.

Lauren Eanes

Lauren Eanes is the Director of Elections and Voting Registrar of Madison County. She has served in this role since July of 2019 when the former Registrar retired. Prior to filling this role, she has worked in the voter registration office as an Election Official and Assistant Registrar since 2011.

Investigator Scott Woodward

Scott Woodward is an Investigator with the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Prior to working in Madison, Investigator Woodward worked in law enforcement with the Culpeper Police Department as a Community Services Officer in 2008 and a Police Officer beginning in 2009. Woodward began working with the Madison County Sheriff's Office in September 2011. He has completed basic and advanced SWAT training, as well as served in the roles of Deputy, general instructor, firearms instructor, Corporal, and Investigator.

Investigator Frank Herrman

Frank Herrman is an Investigator with the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Prior to his work as an Investigator, he served as a Virginia State Police Trooper in Warrenton, Virginia. Herrman has accomplished several additional endeavors including K-9 Patrol Dog Handler, Special Agent Drug Enforcement, Coordinator of the Blue Ridge narcotics Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Section in Fairfax, Virginia.

Deputy Michael Foster

Michael Foster is a Deputy with the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Foster is the School Resource Officer at Madison County High School.

Initial Contact

Initially, I spoke with each of the guest speakers separately about my idea for this project. When they offered their support, I sent out a group email explaining the details and my goals for this project.

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