2nd Annual DA Academy 2026 Logo
  • 2nd Annual DA ACADEMY 2026

    Legal Bootcamp for High School Seniors
  • Apply for the 2026 District 20 DA Academy

    High school seniors in Carter, Love, Marshall, Murray, and Johnston Counties are invited to apply for a free, one-week program to explore the criminal justice system.

    What You’ll Do

    This program combines classroom learning with hands-on activities. You will learn about:

    Investigations: How criminal cases are built.

    Courtroom Skills: How to make charging decisions, question witnesses, and follow court etiquette.

    Career Paths: Explore different jobs within the legal and justice systems.

    Leadership: Learn how to be a positive "servant leader" in your community.
     

    Program Details

    Dates: June 15 – June 18, 2026 (Monday–Thursday)

    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Must be picked up by 3:15 p.m.)

    Cost: Free! Lunch and snacks are provided.

    Dress Code: Business-casual (no jeans or t-shirts), as you will be in court.
     

    Eligibility Requirements

    To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

    Grade Level: Entering or just finishing the 12th grade in Summer 2026.

    Location: Attending high school in one of the five counties listed above.

    Record: No open criminal or delinquent cases.

    Transport: You must provide your own transportation.

    Dietary Needs: If you have special dietary restrictions, please bring your own lunch.
     

    How to Apply

    Space is limited. To be considered, you must complete all forms in the application packet.

    Completed application packets can be returned to the Carter County District Attorney's Office c/o Cassie Hightower, 107 1st Avenue SW, Ardmore, OK 73401 or emailed directly to cassie.hightower@dac.state.ok.us.

    For more information contact the DA Academy Coordinator via email at cassie.hightower@dac.state.ok.us or by calling the office at (580) 223-9674.

    The District Attorney's office does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

     

  • Application for 2026 DA Academy

  • In consideration of the benefits that my child will receive from his/her participation in the District 20 DA Academy which is sponsored by the District Attorney's Office for the 20th Judicial District, I do hereby release the District Attorney's Office, District Attorney Council, its public officials, prosecutors, agents and employees of any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action which I may hereafter have on account of any and all injuries and damages to my child or to my property arising out of or related to any happening or occurrence while my child is participating in the academy. I attest my child is physically fit and able to attend the DA Academy. I also authorize the staff of the District Attorney's Office to escort my child to locations for academy programs via foot. I give permission to the District Attorney's Office to use or release any media (photographs, video, social media, etc involving my child while participating in the DA Academy. I understand that this media may be released to local newspapers, television stations, and/or included on District 20 District Attorney's official websites and other promotional material for the District Attorney's Office.

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  • DA ACADEMY

    MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
  • I hereby give permission for any and all medical attention attention to be administered to my child in the event of an accident, injury, sickness, etc., under the direction of the Carter County District Attorney's Office (District 20 District Attorney's Office), until such time as I may be contacted. I also assume responsibility for the payment of any such treatment.

  • This release is effective for the period of the District 20 DA Academy.

  • As the parent or legal guardian of the above-named minor, I hereby give my consent for emergency medical care prescribed by a duly licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Dentistry. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb, or wellbeing of my dependent, and the costs incurred for such treatment are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian.

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  • DA ACADEMY

    Participation Guidelines
  • I agree to follow all directions given by academy staff.

    Iunderstand I am required to be on time for all classes and activities.

    I agree to participate in all class assignments and activities.

    I will immediately report to the academy staff if I become ill or injured.

    I will conduct myself in a professional manner at all times in or out of class.

    I will present a professional appearance while attending the academy.

    I understand that I am not an employee of the DA's office and will not attempt to present myself as an employee, attorney, prosecutor, or other law enforcement personnel.

    I will not attempt to enforce any law violations or other legal situations.

    I understand that tardiness, absenteeism, or violation of academy rules can result in my immediate

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  • DA ACADEMY QUESTIONNAIRE

    WHY DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND
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