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. Kat represents Valdez Youth Court to UAYC, the state wide Youth Court organization. 

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 has tried the judge role on for size during a mock trial, where he strove to see the case from the defendant's perspective. 

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 also participated extensively in the 2021 spring Youth Court online conference, where she learned many new concepts, asked great questions, and met other statewide students and staff. 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 and passing his Bar Exam with flying colors. He has not yet served on a case, but brought attentiveness and respect to his classes and to guest speakers. He had the opportunity to meet with members of the VPD and the Valdez judicial staff, and attend an arraignment. Isaiah is the current secretary of VYC. 

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Established in 1999

Valdez Youth Court (VYC) was established in 1999 to provide youth in our community with an alternative within the court system. We accept cases of 12-17 year-olds who have committed a violation or misdemeanor. If the defendant chooses to participate in Youth Court, trained youth volunteers will determine a fair sentence by holding a sentencing hearing. 

Our Goal

VYC aims to bring Restorative Justice to our community. We look at what resources can be provided to the youth, the family and the community as a whole. Our Judges look at each individual and hand down sentences that begin the healing process between the individual and the community. A few examples:

• Community Work Service
• Restitution
• Attend Adult Arraignments
• Art Project  

"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