Forrest Perry, 18, of Rocky Mount, was recently presented with the Virginia Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice’s 2007 Virginia Spirit of Youth Award. In addition to the award, Forrest was presented with an educational scholarship in the amount of $500. The Virginia Juvenile Justice Association (VJJA) was among the donors. VJJA President Beth Stinnett said, “I had the honor of meeting Forrest earlier this year when he spoke at the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Leadership Conference. He is a remarkable young man, most deserving of the award, and the Association was proud to contribute towards his scholarship.”
Modeled after the National Coalition on Juvenile Justice Spirit of Youth Award, the Virginia Spirit of Youth Award recognizes and celebrates a young adult who has made great strides following involvement with the juvenile justice system; has overcome personal obstacles; and is making significant contributions to society.
Forrest was nominated for the award by Probation Officer Regina Davis of the Rocky Mount probation office. A former probationer and foster care ward, Forrest became the first in his family to graduate from high school. He is now living independently, taking college courses and working for Goodwill Industries. He has also become an advocate for children in foster care, speaking at professional events, and serving on the Department of Social Services’ Youth Advisory Council. Earlier this year, Forrest met First Lady Anne Holton and members of the Virginia General Assembly when he participated in the First Lady’s For Keeps Listening Tour. Forrest also traveled to Washington, DC as a Virginia representative to the National Foster Care Conference.
Forrest with Virginia First Lady Anne Holton
For Keeps was created to identify and develop ways to find and strengthen permanent families for older children who are in foster care, or who might be at risk for coming into foster care. The initiative is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves and needs permanent family connections to be successful.
When asked to describe what made a difference in his life and helped him get back on track, Forrest talked about the many special adults who came into his life as a result of his contact with the Departments of Social Services and Juvenile Justice. He singled out Probation Officers Davis, Debbie King, and Doyle Wyatt (now retired). More than anything, Forrest noted that his Probation Officers seemed to genuinely care about him and their compassion and confidence gave him hope. He also said having access to a network of caring professionals at multiple agencies gave him a sense of family. PO Davis said that while Forrest spoke of the hope that she and others instilled in him, Forrest has also taught others a lesson about hope. “Forrest has given me hope that the young people with whom we work can not only overcome obstacles and change their own lives, but go on to use their experiences to make the world a better place. I feel fortunate to have known and worked with Forrest.”
Forrest with Probation Officer Regina Davis
(Members Beth Stinnett, VADJJ Central Office and Regina Davis, 22nd District Court Service Unit, contributed to this story).
http://www.forkeepsvirginia.org/
