All Rise Summer Youth Camp Expands to Full Week of Youth Education, Law and Engagement

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — What began as a half-day workshop has grown into a week-long summer camp aimed at equipping local youth with knowledge, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the law and civic life. The 2025 All Rise Summer Youth Law Camp wrapped up this week after hosting approximately 25 students from various schools across the region.

The camp, organized under the leadership of Judge Toni Terrett, offered an immersive experience with daily themes focused on the three branches of government, state and local history, the arts, community service, and even crime scene investigation.

“There were no dull moments,” Judge Terrett said. “Every day was carefully designed to keep students engaged and show them how the law intersects with their daily lives.”

The week concluded with a student-led mock trial and an awards ceremony attended by parents. One student expressed that she wished the camp could have lasted longer—a sign of its impact.

“This truly takes a village,” Judge Terrett said. “We all share a duty to nurture our youth and prepare them for success.”

Volunteers, guest speakers, and presenters played a key role in the program’s success. Highlights included safety support from the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Vicksburg Police Department, engaging law-related activities, and guidance from legal professionals and educators.

Volunteers and Supporters

• Camp Coordination: Lafreda Lee, Melanie Sanders
• Legal Team: Keenan Jones (Law Clerk), Robert Arledge (Attorney)
• Daily Operations: Ronnae Redmond (MSU Extension Service)
• Program Development: Dr. Susie Calbert (Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center)
• Security: Lt. Vincent Woods, Deputies John “Bishop” Williams and Hannah Davis (Warren County Sheriff’s Department)
• 4-H Volunteers: Pearlie Goodman, Carolyn Bingham
• Guest Speakers & Presenters:
  
  • Circuit Judge James Chaney Jr.
  • District Attorney Ricky Smith
  • Assistant District Attorney Michael Warren
  • Chief Penny Jones
  • Alderman T.J. Mayfield
  • Jordan Rushing (Old Courthouse Museum)
  • Jack Burns and Daniel Boone (The Strand Theatre)
  • Genoa Williams (Headquarters)
  • Oneka Washington, Kashan Haynes (Warren County Youth Court)
  • Elysse Terrett, Lauren Flagg, Ellis Terrett (Chaperones)
  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Rep. Oscar Denton, Rep. Zakiya Summers
  • Sen. Briggs Hopson
  • Attorney Gwennetta Tatum
  • Stephanie Ward (Capitol Tour Guide)
  • Vicksburg Warren School District Transportation Department
  • Shawn White, Michael Rainey (VWSD School Resource Officers)
  • Jason Walker (Vicksburg Family Development Service)
  • Michele Connelly (United Way of West Central Mississippi)
  • Officer Daniel Harris (Vicksburg Police Department, CSI)
  • Meridian Assistant District Attorney Eric Jerscheid
  • Attorneys Tracie Herring, Lauren Cappaert, Lane Campbell
  • Dana Kenney
  • Judge Marcie Southerland (Planning Committee)

Sponsors

• River Hills Bank
• Teller, Hopson & Schrader, LLP
• Warren County Bar Association

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to host the All Rise Law Camp 2025,” Judge Terrett said. “Be blessed!”