By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
editor@floridanewsline.com
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office launched a new shadowing program last fall to give students hands-on experience in public service careers.
Scholars in Service: The Clerk Experience is designed for upper-level high school students, college students and recent graduates. The personalized, single-day program provides direct exposure to the work of the clerk’s office and its roles within local government.
“Our goal is to inspire the next generation by giving students a meaningful look inside the work we do every day on behalf of our community,” said St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Brandon J. Patty. “This program offers valuable experience, mentorship and insight into careers that make a difference.”
Tailored to each student’s interests and goals, the program offers opportunities to shadow courtroom proceedings and observe real cases in action, explore administrative operations and meet with members of the leadership team and courthouse partners to discuss career paths in law, government and public affairs.
Jahkaris Johnson, a pre-law Florida State University student studying criminology and international affairs, participated as the program’s first scholar in November 2025.
“Participating in the Scholars in Service program gave me an incredible opportunity to experience the clerk’s office firsthand,” Johnson said. “From attending the adoption day celebration and learning how the process works behind the scenes, to engaging with judges and exploring the criminal and civil court divisions, I gained a deep appreciation for the work done every day to serve the community.”
For more information about Scholars in Service: The Clerk Experience, visit stjohnsclerk.com/scholars-in-service or call (904) 819-3600.
