The Kaysville City Council honored longtime community leader Kim Smith during a recent meeting, recognizing her 25 years of service as founder and advisor of the Kaysville Youth Court – a program city leaders say has transformed the lives of hundreds of local youth.

Mayor Tamara Tran and members of the City Council presented Smith with an official proclamation celebrating her lasting impact on generations of Kaysville families through a program built on accountability, education and second chances.

Kaysville Police Chief Eric Oberg also praised Smith’s leadership and vision, calling the Youth Court “one of the best things Kaysville has done as a city in terms of public safety.”

“The Youth Court is a fantastic program,” Oberg said during the presentation. “It has helped young people learn accountability while giving them opportunities for growth and success.”

Oberg recounted how Smith, drawing on her legal background and passion for helping youth, first researched the concept of youth courts and presented the idea to both the Kaysville Police Department and City Council in 2000. What began as the vision of a Davis High School student soon evolved into a lasting community institution under Smith’s leadership.

The program’s first session was held in August 2000 with 20 student judges. Its first case involved shoplifting, and the sentence focused not only on consequences, but also on education and personal growth. “That spirit has defined the Youth Court ever since,” Oberg said.

Over the past 25 years, the Kaysville Youth Court has heard more than 1,090 cases and involved over 450 student judges. The program has also inspired thousands of hours of volunteer service and community involvement from local students and families.

Under Smith’s guidance, the Youth Court has emphasized restorative justice principles, leadership development and mentorship, helping young offenders take responsibility for their actions while avoiding deeper involvement in the justice system.

City officials expressed gratitude for Smith’s decades of dedication and the positive influence she has had throughout the community.