Who is
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​Valdez Youth Court?

VYC Judge Katarina Taylor: Valdez Youth Court President

Katarina ("Kat") Taylor has been instrumental in getting the Youth Court up and running after a period of transition, both in the court room and behind the scenes. Now a senior, Kat has been a member of the Bar since junior high school. She is currently Valdez' only judge, and she brings both compassion and gravity to the court room. Kat balances a busy social, family, and athletic life with her Youth Court responsibilities, and manages to give all of it her best. 

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VYC Attorney Will Crater

Will joined VYC in 2020. In January of 2021, he braved a mix of Zoom and in-person trainings to earn his membership to the Bar. He brings Youth Court values of empathy and compassion to the courtroom. He has assisted with recruiting of new students, and is currently Vice President of VYC. Will has served as a defense attorney and a prosecuting attorney. He is working towards serving as a judge, having taken on that role in a mock hearing and shadowing in a real hearing. 

VYC Attorney Jaelynn Adams

Jaelynn joined Youth Court in 2021, and also braved the mixed format of Zoom and in person training during the continuing pandemic to earn her bar membership. She brings the Youth Court values of respect and thoughtfulness to the courtroom. Jaelynn has served as a prosecuting attorney. 

VYC Attorney Isaiah Gamon
Isaiah was just sworn into the Youth Court Bar Association in 2022, after attending Youth Court training in October 2021. He exemplifies Youth Court values of empathy and relationship building with volunteers and defendants. He has served as a defense attorney. Isaiah is the current secretary of VYC and the Valdez Representative to the United Youth Courts of Alaska. 

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VYC Attorney Charlie Mehlberg

Charlie was sworn into the Youth Court Bar Association in 2022, after attending Youth Court training in October 2021. Charlie brings the values of kindness and inquisitiveness. They have served as a prosecuting attorney in court. 

VYC Attorney Mathious Triplet

Mathious was sworn into the Youth Court Bar Association in 2022, after attending Youth Court training in October 2021. Mathious brings values of respect and good listening to Youth Court. He has served as a bailiff and a defense attorney in court. 

VYC Attorney Erik Vincent

Erik was sworn into the Youth Court Bar Association in 2022, after attending Youth Court training in October 2021. He brings values of justice and legal scholarship to Youth Court. He has served as a defense attorney and as a prosecuting attorney in court, as well as volunteering as a mock defendant to "see the other side." 

VYC Attorney Kedrick Wallis

Kedrick was sworn into the Youth Court Bar Association in 2022, after attending Youth Court training in October 2021. Kedrick brings the values of diligence and creativity to his cases. He has served as a prosecuting and a defense attorney in court. ​

"Youth Court showed me that I could use my words and my actions in a way to help not only my peers but also the community. My roles in Youth Court have primed my success as I proceed into the rest of my life. Youth Court has given me a sense of accomplishment and show that I really can make a difference. Youth Court means to me growing together as a family. It means making a difference in my community while also having fun learning about the court system in a way that is enjoyable and leaves you wanting more."
​-Ashlee Schaeffer, 2020 recipient of VYC scholarship

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Allison Sayer
Program Director
907-255-8687
vdzyouthcourt@gmail.com