Circuit 13 honors two juvenile justice workers with Julianne M. Holt awards
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Summary
Circuit 13 Advisory Board presented the Julianne M. Holt Public Service Award to Chrissy Dorian and the Community Champion Award to Amanda Thomas, recognizing long service and work supporting justice-involved youth.
The Circuit 13 Advisory Board on Nov. 21 presented its annual Julianne M. Holt awards to two long-serving juvenile justice professionals.
Chrissy Dorian, recognized with the Julianne M. Holt Public Service Award, was noted by presenters for 31 years with Hillsborough County Public Schools, work as an ESE teacher and transition specialist, and leadership on the Juvenile Reentry Education Program (JREP), which organizers said has provided bus passes and GED vouchers to more than 1,000 students. "There's something uniquely special about being recognized by your peers," Dorian said upon accepting the award, thanking colleagues and Commissioner Donna Cameron Zapata for the nomination.
Amanda Thomas, a senior juvenile probation officer with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, received the Community Champion Award. Speakers praised Thomas's 19 years of service and cited examples of hands-on support—providing hygiene products, transportation to GED classes and one-on-one advocacy—that staff said keep youth connected to services.
Both award presentations were introduced by Vice Chair Rob Parkinson and Public Defender Lisa McClain, who noted that the award honors the legacy of retired public defender Julianne M. Holt. The board paused for photographs immediately after the presentations. The meeting moved on to standing business after the recognition segment.
The awards segment did not include formal board action beyond the presentations. The board said it will resume routine award committee activity in spring 2026.