Ms. Peniche’s fifth-grade students at Vejar Elementary School celebrated the completion of their 18-week Project LEAD course with a mock trial held on May 22, 2026. Project LEAD is a law-related education program established by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The program teaches fifth-grade students that the choices they make today can have a lasting impact on their future.
The Project LEAD lessons were facilitated by Detective Vanessa Perez, an alumna of Pomona Unified School District. Throughout the 18-week program, students learned valuable skills including conflict resolution, resisting peer pressure, promoting tolerance, respecting diversity, and understanding the importance of staying in school and pursuing education as a pathway to economic stability.
Detective Perez also shared her expertise on the legal and social consequences of juvenile crime, helping students better understand the importance of being responsible and positive members of their community.
As part of the culminating activity, students participated in a mock trial where they applied what they had learned about the criminal justice system. Students explored a variety of courtroom professions, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors, judges, court clerks, and bailiffs, while learning the responsibilities of each role. The class then conducted the mock trial using standard courtroom procedures.
For many of Ms. Peniche’s students, this was their first opportunity to interact with a law enforcement professional. Detective Perez’s engaging and approachable teaching style made the Project LEAD experience both memorable and inspiring. Having a Pomona Unified alumna lead the program provided students with a powerful role model and demonstrated what is possible through dedication, perseverance, and education.
Through their participation in Project LEAD, many students developed an interest in future careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and the legal profession.
About Detective Vanessa Perez
- Detective with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- Alumna of Ganesha High School, Class of 2013
- Graduate of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy (2016)
- Earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from National University (2019)
- Earned a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California (2022)
