Hamilton County Judge Steven R. Nation was awarded the 2017 Jimmie Thacker, Jr. Person of the Year award by the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention (IATDP) at their 107th International Conference held in Indianapolis this past weekend.
The International Organization brings together educators, social workers, legislators and policy makers from all over the world with a focus on gathering input for fostering change and engaging students to remain in school. Judge Nation was selected for this Award based on his continuing efforts in developing the statewide Youth Assistance Program which brings together schools, businesses, faith-based organizations and the community to help at-risk students stay in school and out of the Juvenile Justice system through the assistance of volunteers who provide tutoring, mentoring and a coordination of services to at-risk children and their families.
“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Early Intervention Advocates, Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, School Counselors, Mayors, City and County officials, and those individuals who serve as volunteers on our boards and for our programs,” Nation said. “I am so proud of the Youth Assistance Program and the way it brings together the community, businesses, and faith-based organizations to provide support and encouragement to our at-risk children. This Program has been able to provide hundreds of our young people with valuable resources and an opportunity to follow their desired careers and reach the highest potential for their lives.”