New Mexico Supreme Court Building in Santa Fe. Courtesy/NMSC
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — Chief Justice David K. Thomson spoke Saturday to Scouts meeting at the Supreme Court Building in Santa Fe to complete requirements for their citizenship merit badges.
More than 60 Scouts from across New Mexico were expected to attend the event, which offered classes taught by trained adult scout leaders on four citizenship merit badges:
- Citizenship in the World;
- in the Nation;
- in the Community; and
- in Society.
“The Supreme Court welcomes the opportunity to host this civic educational event that allows young people to learn about government, leadership, and individual rights and responsibilities,” Chief Justice Thomson said.
The Citizenship Merit Badge University event began with a flag ceremony outside the Supreme Court Building. The chief justice made introductory remarks. Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also was expected to attend. The Scouts later broke up into groups to work on their badges throughout the day. Some Scouts toured the state Capitol.
“When these young people gather at the Supreme Court they will see a historic building that is a symbol of the independent judicial branch of government that promotes the rule of law in our society,” Chief Justice Thomson said.
The Supreme Court Building opened in 1937, and is the only Public Works Administration project in New Mexico still in use for its original purpose. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties.