She described her work as clerk, a position she has held since January 2017, noting among her duties are two things about which she is particularly passionate: leading efforts to restore the 112-year-old building the Court calls home, and civic education.

“Like many small-town county seats, life in our town revolved around the courthouse square,” AuBuchon said. “But I don’t think I truly appreciated what happened inside the walls of that courthouse – and in the courthouses across this great state – until I became a lawyer. Working for the courts has given me an even greater appreciation of the impact we have every day on the lives of the people for whom our courts handle more than 1 million cases each year.”

AuBuchon says she now gets to travel the state to talk about what she does, what the judges do and how the judicial branch of government works. She noted judges also are hitting the road through the “Have Gavel, Will Travel” program designed to help connect judges with people in their local communities.

In closing, AuBuchon told the students, “What I most hope you take home with you after today is an experience like the one I had, filled with possibilities and excitement for what your futures might hold – especially if they lead you into public service. You are here because you have already demonstrated to those in your communities that you already possess the leadership and character qualities necessary to lead and to make a difference. … Be inspired to dream big, and don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams.”

Betsy AuBuchon meets with students and GFW leaders following the

annual sophomore pilgrimage luncheon.