Whiteville High School students learn lessons in law

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Some students at one school in Columbus County are learning lessons in law in a hands-on way. Tuesday’s lesson involved professionals who are involved with the court system each day. 

“To be able to be here with the Law and Justice Class is a true honor,” Superior Court Judge Ashley Gore said. 

Columbus County District Attorney Jon David, Superior Court Judge Ashley Gore, and Clerk of Court Jess Hill visited students taking a law and justice class at Whiteville High School on Tuesday. They talked about their jobs in an effort to reach students who might be interested in a similar career path. 

Clerk of Court Jess Hill said Tuesday was a special day. He said it’s not often students get the opportunity to hear how the system works from the system itself.

“This is the most important thing, we’re public servants. We’re here to serve the public. That’s what these roles are, that’s how the role is designed to be,” Hill said.

Judge Ashley Gore graduated from Whiteville High School in 2005. She said for her, it’s important to serve the community that helped shape her. She said she hopes students will have the same mindset.

“Anytime I get to speak to students, whether they’re interested in law or could be interested in any type of the judicial system, I like to be a part of that. I think that’s a part of our job as elected officials and public servants, to give back and participate in community events, especially high school events,” Judge Gore said.

Judge Gore said Tuesday reminded her of when she was once in the classroom and deciding what career path to take.

District Attorney Jon David emphasized the weight of each role in the system. He said individually, each role is important, but collectively they get the job done.

“How would we deal with a life without district attorneys and judges and clerks? I would suggest to you that it would be very difficult. Society is prefaced on the idea that all of us collectively have bought into a shared set of values and institutions and expectations,” D.A. David said. 

David said it’s events like this one that help students get a clearer picture of their career path.