By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
For Jim Jarrett, each new day brings another opportunity to impact a child’s life.
“I get up every morning and ask, ‘How can I make a difference today?’” he said.
Jarrett is the Director of Community Outreach for Seneca County Juvenile Court, where he has improved the lives of countless youths with his compassionate leadership and guidance. His decades of service to local youth was recognized when he was named one of the 2024 Youth Asset Builder Award Winners at the 26thAnnual Celebrate Youth Luncheon hosted by Rotary Club of Tiffin and Seneca County Family & Children First Council at Camden Falls Reception & Conference Center on Nov. 12.
Jarrett was nominated for the award by Seneca County Commissioner Tyler Shuff.
“Mr. Jarrett has shown such a dedication to this difficult position, our youth, and his community,” Shuff wrote in his nomination. “Our youth are better because of him. He wants and expects the best from these kids. Jim Jarrett is a caring, tough, but fair individual but also a great example to our local youth.”
The Youth Asset Builder Award Winners were chosen because they exemplify Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. The developmental assets are a set of internal and external skills, character traits, experiences and supports that help children become healthy, caring and responsible adults. Among the 40 assets are family support, positive peer influence, school engagement and peaceful conflict resolution.
Seneca County Juvenile Court Judge Jay Meyer said the 40 assets provide evidence-based indicators of successful development.
“The truth is, we cracked the code,” Meyer said. “We know how to predict the success of children.”
That data isn’t simply used as an observational tool. It is utilized to identify weaknesses that can be proactively addressed so a child’s path can be redirected to a brighter future.
“The good news is, asset deficiencies can be overcome,” Meyer said.
The Celebrate Youth Luncheon honored youth who exemplify developmental assets and adults who invest time, energy and heart into instilling those assets into Seneca County youth.
The 2024 Youth Asset Builder Award Winners were:
Domonic Arter, Oliver Beidelschies, Nico Benjamin, Joshua Bower, Hollie Bozo, Logan Conley, Finnegan Cooper, Kim Fant-Cousin, Addison Dawson, Elizabeth Decker, Braden Drosky, Savannah Faber, Skylinn Fleming, Ellen Groves, Jackie Jarrett, Jim Jarrett, Roger Jury, Owen Lafontaine, Aroara Layton, Adele Lemley, Rowan Matter, Bristin Mayes, Jazz Mills, Molly Pahl, Max Robbins, Emilia Schimpf, Avery Settles, Ivy Shultz, Erin Simmons, Alexa Snay, Krew Stephens, Pastor Charlene Thomas, Joey Turner, Sarah Wolf and Jayell Zamudio.
Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart also attended the luncheon and was grateful for the opportunity to help celebrate the award winners who positively impact the county.
“I really enjoyed attending the Celebrate Youth Luncheon today and watching the young leaders along with adult mentors receive awards for going above and beyond,” Frankart said. “They all deserved to be recognized for their efforts.”