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.
