Congratulations to the Employee of the Month for June - Ms. Kati McGrath

The Franklin County Commissioners on behalf of the Special Thanks And Recognition (STAR) Committee proudly present the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Kathleen (Kati) McGrath. Ms. McGrath has been employed with Franklin County since 1986. She currently serves as the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. The selection for the June 2019 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were a total of fourteen nominations. From the nomination form:

“Kati has been working tirelessly to establish youth courts in local high schools. Statistics show that students who drop out of school are eight times more likely to enter the criminal justice system. Youth courts help to keep students engaged in school so they can stay in the school system and are more likely to graduate. Communities who use youth courts as an alternative to sanctions such as suspensions and expulsions report improved school climates more conducive to learning, lower tardiness levels, fewer disciplinary incidents, higher graduation rates, and enhanced student career awareness. Youth courts are transforming to school environments and student empowerment.

Chambersburg High School was the first school chosen for the program. To date, three student trainings have been held to educate students on how a youth court operates. This youth court program has completed its third year and continues to thrive with students successfully completing the program. After two presentations to the Waynesboro School Board, various meetings with school personnel, and finally a training for students, the Waynesboro Youth Court program finished its first year. The Waynesboro school administration was so pleased with the program it decided to add a criminal justice course as an elective. This class will allow youth court procedures to be taught to students as part of a curriculum which is a best practice. That class has 135 students signed up for the first year!

In addition to the youth court initiatives, Kati is expanding the Youth Aid Panel program which has been operating in Waynesboro since 2004, to Chambersburg.  Kati works tirelessly for the good of all youth in our county. She is diligent in her efforts to improve the juvenile justice system.”

Ms. McGrath’s outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. The nomination form describes her as dedicated, taking initiative and exemplifying leadership skills.  We are grateful to Ms. Kathleen McGrath as she exudes a high standard of customer service, excellence, and respect to the employees and residents of Franklin County.

Photo: (left to right) Commissioner Bob Thomas, Court Administrator Mark Singer, Chief Probation Officer Kati McGrath, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller, and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

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