News  Probation Commissioner and Trial Court Chief Justice honor local student leader during Swearing In Ceremony

The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) kicked off 2026 and January, National Mentorship Month, by swearing in Marli Forrester, a 14-year-old Boston resident, as “Co-Commissioner for the Day.”

The ceremony took place in the Office of the Commissioner of Probation. Massachusetts Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger administered the ceremonial oath to Marli as Trial Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino; Marli’s parents: Naisha Bradley-Forrester and Marlon Forrester; her little brother, Bradley; grandmother, Willie-Mae Fripp; and Boys & Girls of Boston Chief Impact Officer Andrea Swain looked on.

Marli, a local ninth grader, is a student leader and Mattapan resident who created a gardening club, Beaver Buds, to promote healthy eating in her school and local community. She is a Debate Club winner, Student Council Representative, an award winning Model UN (United Nations) delegate, an avid violinist and the only freshman member of the varsity fencing team. Marli is also a Keystone Club member, a leadership development program which anchors children in academic success and community service, as well as a participant of Ready To Work, a Boys & Girls Club initiative which promotes career readiness. Marli was also named the Boys & Girls Club of Boston’s “Junior Youth of the Year."

Probation Commissioner Pamerson O. Ifill acknowledged Marli and her contributions to her school and community. She received a certificate and co-signed important court policy on the Emerging Adult Courts, a specialized court program for young adults, ages 18-24.

“As we continue to build trust in the community, we are looking to bring people from diverse backgrounds into the court system so that they can see themselves as judges, a court administrator, and Probation Officers,” said Probation Commissioner Pamerson O. Ifill.

Marli is the third student leader to be appointed “Co-Commissioner” in this ceremonial role as part of the agency’s community engagement efforts and mentorship activities.

Previous “Co-Commissioners” have included Charlestown High School Junior Xander Ruyevcan who was recognized last fall. Nine-year-old Tairih King, a cancer survivor, was sworn in and appointed Co-Commissioner a little over a year ago.