Through the PRMP, elementary students are introduced to the legal profession.
The El
Paso Women’s Bar Association began its Positive Role Model Program in 2004 to
teach 5th grade students the importance of education by introducing
them to various aspects of the legal profession. In its beginning, the
WBA partnered with Roosevelt Elementary School, the closest school in walking
distance to the Courthouse. The students were escorted to the 205th
Judicial District Court where then Judge Kathleen H. Olivares and Cezy Collins
(Co-Chairs) introduced them to the court system and the various professions
that the students could aspire to by staying in school. The students
heard firsthand from the Judge, bailiff, court reporter, court coordinator,
prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, canine officers, and others
about their jobs and how education opened the door from them to pursue their
careers. The students also visited the Eighth Court
of Appeals and the United States District Court for additional
presentations.
After Roosevelt Elementary closed the program was moved to
the new school Aoy Elementary school, still within walking distance to the
courthouse. When Judge Olivares retired from the Bench, Judge Diane
Navarette, Criminal District Court #1 invited the program to her
courtroom. Since that time, Judge Selena Solis, 243rd Judicial
District Court joined the Aoy program. During the pandemic, the program
has continued through virtual presentations, including the visits with the 8th
Court of Appeals and Federal Court.
