By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Judge Mary Hotard Becnel of Division B was lauded at the June 10 St. John the Baptist Parish Council meeting for her work of instituting CHARM School in the parish.

Instituted in January 2006, CHARM School is designed for female juveniles charged with disruptive or ungovernable behavior, but also consists of females dealing with personal and/or family issues, as well as other types of behavior problems.

CHARM School provides females with alternatives to inappropriate behavior through instruction in good manners and conflict resolution and by defining and developing Character, Health, Attitude, Respect and Manners. 

The goal of CHARM School is to modify bad behavior, ultimately benefiting young females in their daily encounters with peers and authority and to prepare them to act accordingly throughout their lives. 

By agreement with the St. John Parish District Attorney’s Office, female juvenile offenders are offered the alternative of attending CHARM School in lieu of prosecution, and mothers or guardians of the females are ordered to attend at least one class. 

Laurie Adams and Nghana Gauff assist Becnel with the program.

Parish President Natalie Robottom, in conjunction with St. John Parish Council members, extended their gratitude to Becnel at the meeting and presented her with a framed proclamation of recognition.