MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA — Within days of starting his new job in Northern Virginia, Jonathan Heath ’17 was recognized by the Points of Light Foundation.
Heath was recently sworn in as a magistrate for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 31st Judicial District, which encompasses Prince William County outside of Washington, DC.
As a magistrate, Heath will conduct probable cause and bail hearings and will issue a wide range of criminal and civil processes including warrants and emergency protective orders.
“I credit the opportunities and experiences I had at WVU Law with preparing me for this position,” Heath said. “I feel that courses such as interviewing, counseling and negotiation as well as the experience I gained both as a member of the Immigration Law Clinic and as a mediator gave me some invaluable hands-on experience.”
Heath performed thousands of hours of pro bono work with the Immigration Law Clinic and other immigration related charities over the past several years. It is that work that caught the attention of the Points of Light Foundation.
At the end of September, the non-profit founded by President George H. W. Bush, gave Heath their Daily Point of Light Award. Their interview with Heath can be found on the Points of Light website.
Heath is no stranger to recognition for his public service. He was previously awarded the Call to Service Award and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2014 for his volunteerism. He was also honored with a citation from the governor of West Virginia for previous charitable service as the executive director of a non-profit he helped found in the Parkersburg, West Virginia, area.