Clubs and Organizations

By CASEY KNAUPP
Staff Writer

State District Judge Carole Clark was honored Thursday night by Parents Anonymous of Tyler at its Wine Festival for her "tireless" work for the most vulnerable as an advocate for children.

Judge Clark, of the 321st District Court, said Parents Anonymous is a good partner of her court to provide families with what they need.

She said Parents Anonymous workers do a magnificent job and she sends families in her court to the organization because it will give them the skills they need to get through the trauma, to be good, decent parents and to be role models our society desperately needs.

She applauded Parents Anonymous for their wonderful service they have provided for 25 years.

"It's been a treat to be honored," said Judge Clark, who was awarded with a silver tray.

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass introduced Judge Clark, whom she said was her "dear friend."

"She has made a difference in the lives of family and children in the community," she said. "Her heart and her compassion is the lives of children."

Ms. Bass said Judge Clark has received too many awards to count, including "Judge of the Year" in the nation for her child support accountability program in 2006.

"What she's done in the last 10 years is save the lives of children" and save marriages, she said.

Judge Clark began her career in Tyler in the 1970s with Child Protective Services as a caseworker and now presides over family law cases.

Nearly 100 people attended the Wine Festival at Rivercreek Farm and Ranch, which included a night of wine tasting, food provided by area restaurants, live music by the Darren Cable Band and silent and live auctions.

Parents Anonymous was established in 1984 by the Smith County Medical Society Alliance and is committed to strengthening families by ending child abuse. The organization offers classes to parents and children to help families learn communication and coping strategies. Parents Anonymous also serves as an integral part in Partners for Youth, a collaborative program administered by the Tyler Municipal Court that serves as an intervention for teens who need help and resources to correct behaviors and prevent further problems.

Carole Clark, a Tyler district judge, addresses friends and coworkers after being recognized for her work in family law cases.
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)