Ashley Sloboda | The Journal Gazette

As Andrea Trevino greeted seven high schoolers at a Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne facility Thursday, the Allen Superior Court judge acknowledged her presence at the celebratory setting was likely jarring.

"You all see me usually not at your best, right?" Trevino asked. "Usually, you're in court, been through something. You think you're in front of me to get in trouble, right?"

That wasn't the case at the Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center. It and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division were celebrating a four-day program that allows teens on probation to explore various trades, including construction and automotive, and build their skills.

"Our goal is always to leave you better than when you first came to us," Trevino said. "We want you to build a bright future."

The audience, which included probation officers, applauded and cheered as each teen accepted a Careers Exploration Academy certificate of completion and posed for photos with Trevino and Joe Jordan of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

"I hope you've seen that you have a community that cares about you," said Jordan, president and CEO.

The teens murmured their agreement as Jordan guessed their hopes for the future - that they become productive adults with jobs allowing them to earn a great living.

"We want the same thing for you," Jordan said. "We are willing to walk with you through that journey."

Probation officers recommended participants for the program, which met a few hours a day. Cheryl Bartnick, a probation officer involved in the certificate ceremony, anticipates the program's length will be extended next year.

Throughout the week, the students interacted with professionals including Kelley Automotive technicians. One technician told the teens he worked his way up from washing cars - a message that was good for them to hear, said Nicholas Gray, the clubs' vice president of strategic partnerships and workforce development.

"This is exactly what it takes, a collective impact to help children," Jordan said.

Along with their certificates, participants received fidget spinners they created through an online modeling program and printed with a 3D printer. They had just finished a welding tournament, an activity Maliah Odom especially enjoyed.

She was runner-up to Mus Ta Fa, who scored 87 of 100 points.

Trevino credited the program for engaging the teens.

"All the feedback I've gotten about this program was that you're excited to do it," the judge said. "You have been inspired to pursue different career paths because of what you've gone through with this pathways program. And to me, that's what this is all about."

Noting Odom's interest in welding, Trevino encouraged the teen to search for scholarship opportunities if she wants to further her education in the field. Such financial aid, especially for aspiring female welders, is likely available. Odom thanked her probation officer for helping her become a better person. Trevino said probation officers don't hear that often.

"We're here to support you and your wins," Trevino said, "not just to be there to shake our fingers at you when you do something bad."

Daivion Braxton accepts his certificate of completion from Joe Jordan, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs, during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center as Allen Superior Court Judge Andrea Trevino looks on. The event was held to celebrate the partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division.

Photos by Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette

Graduates of a partnership program between The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division listen as Joe Jordan, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, speaks at the center on Thursday afternoon.

Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette

Joe Jordan, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the partnership between The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division at the center on Thursday afternoon.

Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette

Mus Ta Fa poses for a photo with Allen Superior Court Judge Andrea Trevino, left, and Joe Jordan, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, during a ceremony to celebrate the partnership between The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division at the center on Thursday afternoon.

Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette

Maliah Odom thanks her probation officer after graduating from a partnership program Thursday at the Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center.

Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette

Allen Superior Court Judge Andrea Trevino speaks to graduates of a new program in partnership between The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center and the Allen County Juvenile Probation division at the center on Thursday afternoon.

Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette