United States Attorney’s Office continues its commitment to youth through leadership league

INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler will celebrate the graduation of the second USAO Leadership League class at Daniel Webster Elementary School during a ceremony this week.  Leadership League is a six-week, after-school program that teaches conflict resolution through lessons and hands-on activities.  A collaborative effort, Leadership League paired fifth and sixth grade students with mentors from the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States District Court, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Aero Industries. With the help of Peace Learning Center Facilitator Francesca Keesee, the group learned the “STEPS” of conflict resolution: Staying calm, Telling your story, Exploring other points of view and Problem Solving.

            “Empowering these young men and women with non-violent conflict resolution skills will help guide and prepare them for life,” said Minkler. “Society portrays violence as a way to solve issues. The Leadership League gives options that will translate into success in school, the community, and in the City of Indianapolis.”

The 2019 graduates include:  NaTaiyah Bean, Jose Gomez, Tamarus Gray, Jarrell Green, Tyree Jarrard, La-Zavion Horns, Xaviea Lewis, Jayme Orner, Haylie Parrott, Nevaeh Russell, Madison Sterrett, Allyssa White, and Donnavon Williamson.

Leadership League mentors were: USAO employees Taylor Kirklin, Lindsay Karwoski, Jeffrey Preston, Janelle Peters, Shaquanna Shockley, Michelle Butler, Stephanie Lloyd, Jennifer Ross, and Deb Mathies; USDC law clerks Michael Mohler and Landyn Rookard; IMPD Officers William Young and Jason Norment; and AERO Industries employees Michelle Gent and Melissa Reisinger. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Rota conceptualized and led the program in partnership with the United States Attorney’s leadership team.

This effort marks the fifth time that USAO-SDIN has collaborated to provide programming with Daniel Webster Elementary School. Previous projects include: The Pledge Against Gun Violence, the You Are Beautiful Project, and the Courage Project. The first Leadership League class graduated in May 2018.

This year’s graduation will be held February 22, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at Daniel Webster Elementary School #346, 1450 S. Reisner Street, Indianapolis, IN 46221. The public is invited.

Leadership League demonstrates our office’s continued commitment to maintaining support for community outreach program with the help of our community partners.  (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 10.2).