I’ve been spending a lot of time with teenagers lately. It’s something I love to do.

Last week, I spoke to a class of eighth-graders at Fayette Middle School. This is a course about law enforcement taught by Fayetteville Police Officer J.D. Lakeman. Odie Bergh, from the Peachtree City Police Department, teaches a similar class at Booth Middle School. The students were very attentive and respectful. Soon they will investigate a mock crime scene at the school. I was impressed.

The next two mornings I was at the Career Fair. You are familiar with that event. Representatives from all types of vocations set up booths at the Heritage Christian Church. Students from each of the middle schools spend an hour discussing what it is like to work in various fields. The girls wear nice dresses. Many of the guys wear suits. They take this seriously. I was impressed.

Saturday I will have the privilege of serving as an evaluator in the championship round of the high school regional mock trial competition. I’ve never been an evaluator. For about six years I did coach the Starr’s Mill team. I know from that experience that these kids will be brilliant and extremely well-prepared. I will wish I could hire them and put them in our courts. Every year I am impressed.

Tuesday night we finished our first gang trial in juvenile court. None of us knew quite what to expect. Would the usual penalties for a school fight apply? Would the judge utilize the option for enhanced penalties that the gang statute provides? Judge Tarey Schell looked these gang members in the eyes and gave a blistering speech that made it clear that he hates what criminal street gangs do to a community. He loves Fayette County and he won’t put up with gangs here. Not for one second. Then he imposed the most knee-buckling disposition I’ve ever seen in juvenile court. I was impressed.

If we really care about our kids, we have to spend time with them. And do the right thing. When they’re good and when they’re bad.