By Alex Partida 3L
About 40 attendees took part in the Mix-N-Mingle event presented by CLIMB on Friday, September 7. The event hosted at Ski Beach in the Mission Bay area kicked off the program’s fourth semester on campus. Members of CLIMB organized a beachside cookout, bonfire, and free raffle for AMC movie tickets, Padres tickets and Legoland tickets.
In addition to the food and festivities, CLIMB members spoke with attendees to talk about their work with CLIMB and how the program has progressed. A mix of new and familiar faces looked on as Program Coordinator Lee Vernon 2L thanked the crowd for their attendance and encouraged them to get involved.
CLIMB is the Crawford Legal Institute & Mentorship Bond Program, created by TJSL professors Maurice Dyson and William Slomanson for the Crawford High School Legal Academy. CLIMB helps to develop the students’ critical thinking skills and expose them to the legal profession.
CLIMB member Chris Nepacena 2L was particularly pleased with the turnout. “Within the less than a year that I’ve been involved, CLIMB has transformed from an extra-curricular activity into a passion for promoting professional development among the highly capable and driven youth of Crawford High. The turn out at Ski Beach proves this.”
With a new semester, CLIMB has undergone a few changes with their leadership as former Marketing Coordinator Diana “D” Vasquez 2L has taken the mantle of Executive Consultant while Lee Vernon is in his first semester as Program Coordinator.
Professor Slomanson, who oversees CLIMB along with Professor Dyson under the Diversity Committee, was very complimentary of the both Vasquez and Vernon.
“As I privately commented to Lee and D at the party, it was great seeing how they have grown into their roles as the new generation of CLIMB leadership!,” said Professor Slomanson.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Lee Vernon at vernonlm@tjsl.edu
