Friday, February 24, 2017
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito visited fourth-grade students at C.H. Campbell Elementary School to talk to them about the judicial system on Jan. 20.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito took several questions from fourth-grade students at C.H. Campbell Elementary School when he visited them on Jan. 20.
By ABBY SLANKER
Fourth-grade students at C.H. Campbell Elementary School had a special visitor when Judge Anthony D’Apolito spoke to them on Jan. 20. Judge D’Apolito is the former Magistrate at the Mahoning County Juvenile Court and was recently sworn in at the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Fourth-grade teacher Dana Zarlenga-Buist invited D’Apolito to speak to the students about the judicial system and address topics such as government and the judicial branch, the election process, public service, citizenship, promoting the common good in the community, as well as bullying and how it affects a student’s performance in school and society.
“Please give the honorable Judge Anthony D’Apolito a warm welcome. He is very experienced in the judicial system and is very good at promoting the common good,” Zarlenga-Buist said as she introduced D’Apolito to the students.
After a warm round of applause, D’Apolito told the students he was excited to be there and they are the future.
“To me, this is where the future is made. What you learn right here, right now, will shape the rest of your life. You have to study hard from the start. If you fall behind, it will be hard to catch up. Don’t fall behind. It is very competitive out there. If you haven’t given 100 percent, pick it up now and if you’ve been giving 100 percent, keep it up,” D’Apolito said.
D’Apolito then addressed the students about doing the right thing and making good decisions.
“You’re all good kids. You know the importance of doing the right thing and making good decisions. You have a little voice in your head call your conscience. This voice will protect you over the next eight years. Will you be strong enough to do the right thing? You will have lots of chances to do the right or wrong thing. Some of your choices could cost you your future. I recently had a case of an athlete who was involved in a robbery and as a result, he lost his chance to go to college. His future was ruined,” D’Apolito told the students.
D’Apolito moved on to tell the students they are very fortunate because they have people who love and care about them.
“You are so fortunate to have family and love in your life. You mom and dad show you how much they love you every day. You have the advantage of being cared for and loved and having parents in your home. Their job is to make you good people,” D’Apolito said.
D’Apolito then discussed to topic of helping people.
“Speaking up for someone can help. A little thing you can do can go a long way. Any little bit of help can really help a person, more than you will know,” D’Apolito said.
D’Apolito took several questions from the students, with many wanting to know about being a judge.
“I love being a judge. I get to work to protect people or help people who really need help. Helping people is the best part of my job,” D’Apolito said.
To wrap up his presentation, D’Apolito thanked the students for having him.
“I enjoy being here. Every time I come here you all have great questions. Very inquisitive questions. And I just want to remind you to appreciate and thank your parents for everything they do for you. Also, listen to that little voice in your head. Keep away from trouble. And remember to help someone whenever you have a chance,” D’Apolito said.