From her vantage point, Magisterial District Judge Tracy Powell looked out and saw a courtroom of troubled youths.

Sets of curious adolescent eyes peered back at her as well as the law enforcement officers standing in the room. Seeing the officers in uniform, armed with guns and handcuffs made some youths antsy and nervous. Others didn’t seem the least bit fazed as they already had run-ins with the law.

Powell remained optimistic, steadfast in her belief that organizing this special day to bring students who regularly appear in truancy cases together with professionals who handle criminal and civil cases in the courts could address issues in Juniata County.

It might seem ironic, relying on an educational approach to counsel students who want nothing to do with classrooms, but Powell was determined.

Having truancy issues and ending up in Powell’s presence gives these students a chance to change. Maintaining the same path could mean stiffer consequences for their actions.

None of the criminal justice personnel in attendance wanted to see the students’ problems get worse, especially those under age 18. The worst-case scenario would have them taken from their parents and placed in a facility where they would be forced to go to school. It can be very challenging. Parents can also spend time in jail, being held accountable for their children’s actions.

The students watched mock hearings and an actual arraignment, spoke with state troopers, tested out equipment in one of their patrol cruisers and took a tour of the state police barracks.

Powell and the officers hope to see a return on their investment of time. At least one student seemed to gain a different perspective, saying the way she grew up she always thought of the police as the bad guys. She learned the police aren’t always there to lock people, but rather they can lend a helping hand.

By explaining their roles, the officials hoped to spread the word. Powell stressed that while the youths’ actions have consequences, no one steps in her courtroom presumed guilty. When she wears her robe, she must be impartial and respectful to all who appear before her.

Most of the cases she hears involve charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance as well as domestic violence complaints. She also sets bail conditions for defendants.

This marked the second truancy event that Powell has held. She hopes not to see familiar faces back in her courtroom. The time that she and the law enforcement officers invested hopefully will have an impact and perhaps change the future fortunes of the youths.

They wanted to address the truancy issues and had to start somewhere. Making time with busy court dockets isn’t easy but it’s important. When she’s the district judge on-call, Powell covers all of Juniata and Perry counties, all day and night. Her record was six criminal cases in one night, which is time consuming. It’s a lot of work, but if she can keep these youths — or maybe their friends or family — out of her courtroom then it’s an even bigger victory.

If these youths go home and tell a parent or a sibling, they might see law enforcement in a different light. Maybe these troubled youths will start attending school. Maybe not.

The day in the courtroom was hopefully a positive start. Only time will tell if it made a difference. As always, we thank law enforcement for their service and applaud those experts involved with helping the youths explore criminal justice. Their dedication and perseverance in addressing the issues of today’s youth in our community is why they are so highly regarded.

If they reached just one kid and changed their life, it would be well worth it.