FULTON COUNTY, GA - A group of student leaders from the Student Leadership Johns Creek (SLJC) program participated in a profound community engagement experience on Friday, December 6th, attending the My Journey Matters (MJM) graduation ceremony at the Fulton County Superior Court. The event, presided over by Judge Rachelle Carnesale, highlighted the program's critical mission of providing young offenders with an alternative path to rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Also in attendance were Justice Shawn LaGrua and Judge Charles Eaton.
The My Journey Matters program offers a specialized diversionary court approach designed to help young individuals avoid traditional incarceration by providing structured support, counseling, and opportunities for personal growth. As part of their ongoing community involvement, Student Leadership Johns Creek (SLJC) students have been actively supporting the program by organizing drives to collect baby goods for program participants who are parents.
Student attendees were deeply moved by the graduation ceremony, sharing powerful reflections on the experience. Amber Qian from Chattahoochee High School noted, "Being able to see everyone's joy as the members of the program were graduating, even as they reflected on the hard times that brought them to this point, was so moving. It has made me more aware of the blessings in my life and made me want to share them with others who may not be as fortunate."
Stuti Mohan, a student from Chattahoochee High School, described the event as a "grounding moment," emphasizing the profound impact of hearing graduates' personal stories of perseverance. Similarly, Naomi Fagan, a Northview High School student, shared that the graduation changed her perspective on life, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.
Arianna Ramirez, a student from Centennial High School, passionately expressed her support for the program, stating, "This experience has been one of the best I have had this year because everyone deserves a second chance. My Journey Matters is an excellent program because it inserts people who have lost focus in their lives into society."
The My Journey Matters program continues to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative potential of compassionate, individualized judicial approaches that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
For more information about the My Journey Matters program, please contact the Fulton County Superior Court.
Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Irene Sanders, Executive Director, sanders@leadershipjohnscreek.com, 404-406-0480
About Student Leadership Johns Creek:
Student Leadership Johns Creek is a prestigious program designed to cultivate leadership skills and foster civic engagement among high school students in the Johns Creek, Roswell and Alpharetta area (Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Northview, Alpharetta High Schools, Mt. Pisgah, Providence Christian-Johns Creek and Innovation Academy). Through leadership learning, community service projects, and mentorship opportunities, the two-year program empowers young leaders to make a positive impact in their community and beyond.
