Brooklyn Boro

Kings County Supreme Court sends off interns with awards ceremony

January 24, 2017 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle
A ceremony was held for the graduating interns from the Kings County Courts Student Employment and Internship Program. Pictured from left: Charmaine Johnson, Anthony Henry, Yavanna James, Kayes Mahmud Shakil, Ghada Chayah, Salma Santana, Katherine Moore, Benvindo Do Rosario Savo Manuel, Donna Farrell and John T. Dougherty. Not pictured is Taliyah McClam. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese
Share this:

An awards ceremony was held for members Kings County Courts Student Employment and Internship Program at the Supreme Court in Downtown Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon.

“Although it’s just eight and it’s a small program, it’s important that we know how we feel about them. Here at the Supreme Court, we take pride and joy in our interns,” said Charmaine Johnson, supervisor of the program. “We also want to thank their supervisors who helped them, and assisted them and asked for them because without you, the interns wouldn’t be here.”

There were a total of eight interns in the most recent program, all from ASA College in Downtown Brooklyn and all are expected to graduate this May. The group had been working in various departments throughout the court system in recent months.

“Thank you for your hard work,” said Justice Deborah Dowling. “Thank you for everything you’ve done on behalf of the court system because it is a symbiotic relationship. You give and we give and we get something from you also. It’s a big benefit of having you here. Our system is upgraded because of your presence.”

“You are the role models for our next generation that is going to follow you, just like many of us were to your generation,” Alessandrino said. “The most important thing to be a role model is to teach by example. Keep on showing up, keep on working hard, keep on being engaged in what you do and that will speak volumes to those coming up behind you.”

The ceremony was held in memory of Izetta Johnson, who ran the program for 35 years until her retirement less than two years ago.  Speakers included Janelle Walker, a recent Medgar Evers College graduate who spoke about the importance of her education; Hon. Matthew J. D’Emic, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term; Daniel Alessandrino, chief clerk for criminal matters; and Charles Small, chief clerk for civil matters.

“I want to compliment and thank Charmaine Johnson,” said Charles Small. “What a beautiful program she is running. Izetta Johnson started this program and we can never forget her or let her legacy die. I can’t think of a better person to continue her work than Charmaine Johnson. I don’t know if it’s in the name Johnson or not, but she puts a lot of work into this and likes helping people.”

There were also brief remarks from three of the interns: Ghada Chayah, Anthony Henry and Katherine Moore. Ivey J. Paige sang a musical selection and Donna Farrell, first deputy chief clerk, Civil Term; Cherie Foster; and Christopher Tropea presented the interns with their awards.

The eight interns included: Ghada Chayah, Anthony Henry, Yavanna James, Kayes Mahmud Shakil, Benvindo Do Rosariio Savo Manuel, Taliyah McClam, Katherine Moore and Salma Santana. Chayah, Henry and Mahmud Shakil each won the Perfect Time and Attendance Award. Chayah, James and Moore won the Perfect Evaluation Award.

“I hope the experience was good and I wish you good luck,” Justice D’Emic said.

 

Subscribe to our newsletters


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment