Lydick Earns Ungerman Award
By Lynette Petty
Kana Lydick is the recipient of the Irvine E. Ungerman Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice. The award is given twice yearly to a student who has distinguished him/herself "by providing highly competent representation to clients in a manner exemplifying the ideals of our profession: pursuit of the learned art in the spirit of public service." The award includes a cash prize from an anonymous former clinic intern.
Kana worked under the supervision of Associate Professor Lynette Petty representing clients in domestic matters and servicing as guardian ad litem (GAL) in the child in need of care court. Her work as guardian ad litem has been particularly noteworthy. Kana is a CASA volunteer and brought experience to her role as GAL. In the Clinic, the kids she works with enter the system because of truancy. Many of these kids and their families have serious issues affecting the child's school attendance, including drug and alcohol abuse, mental health problems, teen pregnancy, cultural and language differences, poverty, and running from placement.
Kana has proven herself to be a strong advocate for children. She made numerous court appearances and effectively worked with social workers, teachers and other providers to promote the best interest of the children. In one particularly noteworthy case, she successfully appealed a school district's decision to suspend one of her kids virtually the entire school year. That young man now has a second chance.
Congratulations, Kana, for a job well done.
