WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION OF YOUTH COURTS

Dave Wood passed away this fall, leaving a legacy of hope.  Dave was the director of Sky Valley Resources based in Sultan, Washington.  Several years ago, he founded "The Giving Tree," which became one of his favorite projects. He would spend hours and hours after work buying, sorting and wrapping thousands of Christmas gifts for local children in need. This year in honor of Dave Wood and his work developing the Sky Valley Youth Court program, the WSAYC board voted to donate $50 to the Giving Tree.  Susan Goettsch, WSAYC board secretary/treasurer was able to double that donation through additional contributions at her workplace.

Treasurer/Secretary Susan Goettsch filed the annual report with the Washington State's Secretary of State's Office.

On the chilly morning of November 19th, student representatives from youth courts around Washington state assembled in Bellevue for the annual WSAYC Training Day. In the morning, student representatives tackled the challenge of a ropes course or a climbing wall, while adult representatives held a meeting to address issues of concern to adult coordinators of youth courts. The Bellevue Youth Court had organized the location and made arrangements for this event. Funding from the Washington Judges Foundation supported the costs of event. After a delicious lunch of doughnut holes and delicatessen, students and adults gathered for an anti-bullying workshop put on by Atlanta-based Heather Schultz, a widely-acclaimed speaker on youth issues. Ms. Schultz's participation was made possible by a grant to the Clallam County Youth Court from the Ben & Myrtle Walkling Foundation. At the end of the day, students and adults attended an Association meeting where motions to amend the by-laws