New DJS Secretary and Administrative Staff Attend Training at SOA

The new Secretary for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Mr. Sam Abed, visited the Silver Oak Academy (SOA) to participate in the National Institute of Corrections Training for Agency Managers in PREA or the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Over 40 individuals were trained in the day-long session, including representatives of the Maryland Public Defenders Office (Stephen Bergman) and the Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit (Nick Moroney). SOA LCSW-C Courtney Wunderlich attended on behalf of SOA.

Eighteen students enrolled in SOA’s new culinary arts vocational training class prepared a breakfast snack (baked French toast, lowfat yogurt with berries and granola, coffee, tea and juice) and full lunch (baked Ziti Florentine prepared with SOA garden herbs, fresh tossed Caesar Salad and homemade garlic croutons, garlic bread sticks and miniature cherry cheese cakes) for the group under the instruction of teacher Kay Davis. The students, replete with chef whites and hats, served the food as well and were alternately quizzed on and complimented for their efforts by the attendees.

Secretary Abed comes from the state of Virginia where he worked for Governor Timothy Kaine’s administration as the Chief Deputy Director for the Department of Juvenile Justice for nearly five years. A graduate of the University of Richmond’s School of Law, Mr. Abed served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Norfolk.  In 2002, he was appointed as Commissioner on the Virginia Commission for National and Community Service.

Mr. Abed took time to take a quick tour of the SOA campus and visited with several students, including student tour host, Chris W.  Mr. Abed acknowledged many of the positive and successful efforts of SOA students and actively engaged them to reflect upon the challenges and outcomes they had experienced.  He stated he would return in the near future for a longer visit and more in-depth discussions with staff and students.