Stephanie N. Morales Future Leader’s Initiative
October 2024
Pictures Courtesy: Portsmouth Public Schools
The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is extremely proud of the brilliant group of students that attended the Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative on Monday, October 21, 2024. They represented I.C. Norcom High School, Norview High School and Norfolk State University very well. Their questions and discussions about the justice system showed they are great thinkers and will have bright futures for sure.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office welcomes many students from Hampton Roads and beyond each year as a way to introduce them to the court system in a positive way while enabling them to learn about the justice system and also explore different career paths and internship opportunities.
Parents of students interested in attending can email Antoinette Ramseur at ramseura@portsmouthva.gov or call 757-393-8581, ext 7032.
National Night Out
October 1, 2024
The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office participated in National Night Out, an annual community-building event that promotes partnership between law enforcement and citizens, under positive circumstances. Office representatives spoke with citizens and answered questions about how crimes are prosecuted in the city, the role of our victim-witness department in prosecution and resources for crime victims. The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is always seeking new ways to connect with the community we serve.
Never Forget: City of Portsmouth Remembrance Ceremony of the 23rd Anniversary of September 11, 2001
The City of Portsmouth held a Remembrance Ceremony for the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office joined other city offices and citizens in attendance to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost in New York City, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania following the terrorist attacks on our nation that day. We stand in solidarity with the country to remember the families who continue to grieve and to pay tribute to the first responders and civilians who rushed to the aid of the victims and assisted in recovery efforts. We will never forget.
Stephanie N. Morales Future Leader’s Initiative
July 2024
The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office hosted its Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative on July 8, 2024.
More than 40 local students from elementary to high school visited the Portsmouth Judicial Center to learn about various careers in the law from Commonwealth’s Attorney Morales, judges, other attorneys and support staff.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has hosted hundreds of students over the years in an effort to introduce youth to the court system in a positive way while enabling them to also explore different career paths and internship opportunities.
“Many times, fear tactics are used to introduce young people to the criminal justice system but I know how brilliant our young people are and I believe in seizing opportunities to personally engage with our youth and nurture their moral development. A strong moral compass combined with the intellectual capacity of our youth will enable them to realize their potential to become productive members of society,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Morales.
The Portsmouth Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney works to consistently leave a positive impact on our community and to motivate and inspire our youth to dream big.
High School junior Mykael’a Berkley attended this year’s event for the first time. “The Future Leader experience was very educational, enjoyable, and interesting to me. I’ve known I wanted to be an attorney for quite some time now but never really thought it through. Participating in this program has allowed my love for law to grow. It helped me learn a little more about what actually happens in court. This program has also helped me get ideas on the different law schools & colleges I would like to consider attending as I’m entering my junior year in high school. There were also amazing attorneys who spoke to us about their journeys & experiences, which encouraged me to not give up no matter what journey I go through, because everyone’s journey is different,” said Mykael’a.
The Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative is held annually and students from across Hampton Roads and beyond are welcomed. During the program, students learn different aspects of the law and their aspirations are encouraged.
Parents of students interested in attending can email Antoinette Ramseur at ramseura@portsmouthva.gov or call 757-393-8581, ext 7032.
Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative
Meet the Junior Commonwealth's Attorney class of 2019
These dynamic students are going to make some very special marks on our communities in the near future. Thank you to everyone who answered my call to engage with these inquisitive young ones today! They learned from our favorite court reporter Mr. Spratley, Deputy Public Defender Stevenson, Judges Melvin, Morrison and Crowe, several members of the Sheriff Department, our community Historian Mrs. Mae Breckenridge Haywood and the amazing attorneys and administrative professionals of the office. Today we truly brought a sense of community to the courthouse. Our future leaders are ready!
Read Across America Day
On March 1st, staff members of the Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office celebrated Read Across America Day with students at Churchland Elementary School. Attorneys and other staff members spent time reading to the students and discussing what types of books they like to read. Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss Day, is an initiative created by the National Education Association to encourage children to read. It is celebrated annually on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.