The 34th Annual Juvenile Arbitration Volunteer Awards and Recognition Ceremony took place yesterday at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. During the award ceremony, the program's director Kathryn Barton recognized each volunteer as well as our community partners. The success of the program depends on our volunteers whose only reward is knowing that they have made a difference in the lives of our youths. Solicitor Rick Hubbard addressed the volunteer arbitrators and thanked them for their services. Family Court Judge Robert Newton delivered the keynote speech.

The Juvenile Arbitration program is for nonviolent first time offenders. It gives them a second chance and keeps them out of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. We work with our school resource officers a great deal and their work is very important to the success of this program as well.

The program requires the juveniles to participate in a broad range opportunities to include completing community service. This year we recognized the Lexington Family YMCA as the community service site of the year. We also recognized LICS and Saluda Shoals Park for their contributions to the program as well last night.

We are thankful for the work that Kathryn and everyone does for our community and our youths.