Assistant DA wins national award for victim advocacy

Special to the Enquirer  

The Morgan County District Attorney’s Office this past week announced assistant district attorney Courtney Schellack has been selected to receive the 2022 Morton Bard Allied Professional Award by the National Organization for Victim Assistance. 

The Morton Bard Allied Professional Award recognizes outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in the advancement of crime victims’ rights and the contributions of an individual in an allied profession to the field of victim advocacy. 

NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is a leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing. NOVA is dedicated to assisting victims of crime and crisis by connecting them with services and resources, as well as training and credentialing victim advocates and crisis responders.  

NOVA also promotes public policy initiatives to protect the rights of crime victims.  

In a letter notifying Schellack of the award, Jeannette Adkins, president of the NOVA Board of Directors, remarked on Schellack’s critical impact and unwavering dedication in assisting and empowering victims and survivors of crime. 

Schellack said she was grateful for the nomination and honored to be chosen as the award recipient. 

“I am very proud of Courtney and the work she does on behalf of Morgan County and the victims we represent,” said district attorney Scott Anderson. “It doesn’t surprise me at all that Courtney was chosen to receive this award. She pours her heart into every case she prosecutes and treats victims like they are members of her family.” 

Schellack joined the DA’s office in 2017 as an assistant district attorney. She is assigned to district, juvenile and drug court and handles the Rule 32 petitions for the office. 

Schellack will be presented the award during the NOVA’s annual training event in August.