Court Announces Employee and Volunteer Service Awards for 2011

Chief Justice Leigh I. Saufley, of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, today announced the recipients of the Maine Judicial Branch performance awards for 2011.

Chief Justice Saufley announced that Ravi Jackson, of Brunswick, an accountant for the Administrative Office of the Courts, was recognized as the "Outstanding Judicial Employees of the Year. This award is conferred upon that person who, during the course of the preceding year, has best exemplified the qualities of competence in providing court services, commitment to public service, respect, courtesy to fellow employees and members of the public, and a willingness to learn and grow. The Chief Justice said: "Ravi has been instrumental in recent years as the courts have adopted new software and accounting systems. And Ravi was also a key player in the implementation of electronic time keeping records. Ravi consistently is a positive and calming influence on all who come into contact with him."

Chief Justice Saufley announced that the recipient of the "Judicial Branch Career Performance Award" is Sherry Wilkins of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The award is given to that person who consistently contributes above and beyond expected job responsibilities to further the Judicial Branch mission. Ms. Wilkins has served in the Judicial Branch for over 24 years. She currently holds the position of Research Analyst. In announcing the award Chief Justice Saufley said: "In nominating Sherry, her co-workers recognized that Sherry has a wealth of knowledge that she shares with ease, patience, and her famous sense of humor. Sherry reviews hundreds of pieces of legislation to determine the fiscal impact and shares that information with the legislative office that produces fiscal notes on all legislation. During the legislative session, Sherry typically works late into the evening in order to provide legislative committees with financial information in a timely manner. Her many years of dedication and skill are widely appreciated across state government, and we are delighted to recognize her long and dedicated service to the Branch this year."

The Special Service Awards was given this year to Adam Raymond, of Bangor. The award is given to that person or persons who make a contribution to improvements in the operation and performance of the Judicial Branch that is deserving of public recognition. Chief Justice Saufley said: "Adam earned this award for designing and implementing a new computer software distribution system that will be utilized in all 39 court locations. He has also dedicated a great deal of time to improving the videoconference systems that will result in a greater ability to conduct certain court proceedings by video. Finally, Adam was instrumental in migrating the Court e-mail to a new e-mail system, a move that saves the Branch thousands of dollars."

The Roy Rice Award is given to that person, group, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the safety and well being of the employees of the Judicial Branch and people who participate in court activities. Chief Justice Saufley announced that this year's winners are Mike Palenski, of the Kennebec County Sheriff's Department, and the Judicial Marshal Team in the Hancock County Courthouse. The Hancock County team consists of Sgt. Jeff Cash and full time Marshal William Gardella, both of whom reside in Ellsworth. Part-time marshals on the team are: Crystal Hobbs and Jim Gallacher, both of Winterport, Eben Richardson, of Bar Harbor, Mike Dudley, of Belfast, Chris McDonald, of Holden, Rex Kelley, of Searsport, and Dick Treworgy of Brewer. The Chief Justice said, " The Ellsworth marshal team was singled out for their ability to diffuse tense court room situations. Their coolness in heated moments is often recognized by the very people whom they have to escort from the courthouse, who are themselves grateful when the marshals can de-escalate a tense situation." We, of course, are always grateful for their able service in helping to keep the Ellsworth court a safe place for Maine people.

In recognizing Officer Palenski the Chief Justice said: "Mike understands that people in a court room are frequently unhappy, afraid, and angry. Mike handles everyone with patience, reason and respect, an approach much more successful than force. However, it helps that Mike is always the tallest person in the room! He is an outstanding court offices and we are grateful for his presence." Kennebec County is one of the 4 counties whose sheriff continues to provide security for the courts.

Jennifer Monsulick, of Readfield, was awarded the Judicial Branch Volunteer of the Year Award. Jennifer, currently a senior at Bates College, volunteered to work in the Lewiston District Court during the summer of 2011. During that time Jennifer assisted in the Family Treatment Drug Court, and did important research about protective custody settlement conferences. The Chief Justice said, " As a result of Jennifer's work, the local court is implementing new settlement conference procedures. We count ourselves lucky to have benefitted from Jennifer's insightful research."

The Chief Justice said: all of these individuals consistently go beyond job descriptions and reasonable job expectations and inspire all of us to achieve more. In this time of deep budget cuts, where we are continually asked to do more with less, the Judicial Branch is fortunate, indeed, to have such dedicated, long-standing, and hard working employees and volunteers. It is the key to successful operation during this period of budget challenges."