United States Attorney’s Office partners with fifth and sixth grade boys from Daniel Webster Elementary School 46 for leadership league graduation

Conflict resolution training pairs federal prosecutors, IMPD Southwest District officers and 19 boys from Westside school

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh Minkler and Daniel Webster Elementary School Principal Karen Linn announced today the graduation ceremony from the Leadership League for 19, fifth and sixth grade boys from Daniel Webster School 46. The boys collaborated with U.S. Attorney Minkler and seven of his assistant United States Attorneys/staff and two IMPD officers to build positive relationships, learn conflict resolution skills, and have some fun in the process.

“Mentoring these future leaders will benefit this school and the City of Indianapolis,” said Minkler. “Helping these young men develop conflict resolution skills that they can take back to their neighborhoods this summer makes our neighborhoods safer today and in the future.”

"Our partnership with the US Attorney's Office and IMPD has been incredible,” said Karen Linn, Daniel Webster Elementary Principal. “Our boys have benefited by learning many new ways to handle conflict, advocate for themselves in a positive way, and how to carry themselves with pride and a new sense of worth. We are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful group of caring adults who were willing to give of their time, expertise - and yes, patience! It was a great experience for our students and we are so grateful to our mentors for having given us this gift. Thank you!"

The U.S. Attorney’s Office working with Jayette Horan and her team at the Peace Learning Center mentored the boys (Brian, Tristen, Kaiden, Luis, Omar, Melvion, Ta’Marus, La-zavion, Nathanel, Jackson, Robert, Daniel, Brandon, Matthew, Antonio, Braxton, Ryan, Jeremiah, Donnavon and Ethan) during an after-school program designed to help create peace through meaningful learning opportunities and play. For six weeks, the adult male mentors worked with the youth through the STEP process: Staying cool, Telling your point of view, Exploring other perspectives and Problem solving. Guided by PLC Facilitator Francesa “Frankie” Keesee, the Leadership League examined these steps through small group connection and conversation and hands-on activities. The Leadership League memorialized their time together by creating a Peace Pole that celebrates the four steps of conflict resolution.

This marks the fourth time since 2015 that the United States Attorney’s Office has worked in partnership with students from Daniel Webster School 46. Past projects include the Pledge Against Gun Violence, the You Are Beautiful Project, and the Courage Project. Permanent displays of this four-year partnership are located at Daniel Webster and at IMPD Southwest District Headquarters.

2018 mentors for this project include: IMPD Southwest District Officers Jason Morment and William Young, U.S. Attorney Minkler, Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Rota, Barry Glickman, Peter Blackett, Nick Linder, Jeff Preston, Bob Wood and public information officer Tim Horty.

This project demonstrates the office’s continued commitment to confront the District’s gun violence epidemic by tailoring community outreach programs in schools to prevent violent crime. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 2.7)

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