April 16, 2025 – West Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni visited the Criminal Justice program at the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative (LPVEC) on Friday, April 11, 2025, offering students a firsthand look into the responsibilities and experiences of a career in law and justice.

Speaking to the classroom of about 20 high school freshmen enrolled in the program, Gulluni shared insights from his decade-long tenure as Hampden County’s top prosecutor. His discussion covered the structure and function of the District Attorney’s Office, the process of pursuing justice in the courtroom, and the collaboration between prosecutors, law enforcement, and the community.

He also led an engaging conversation about the United States Constitution, emphasizing the importance of the Bill of Rights and the protections it guarantees to all individuals. Drawing on real-world examples from his years of service, the District Attorney highlighted how constitutional rights like due process and the right to a fair trial shape the justice system every day.

“I believe it’s important for students to see firsthand how the criminal justice system works, and to know that there are people in public service who want to help them succeed,” Gulluni said. “I’ve served as District Attorney for over a decade, and visits like this remind me why I got into this work in the first place. These students are smart, curious, and ready to ask the tough questions. Careers in criminal justice are demanding – but deeply rewarding. It was a privilege to speak with students who are already so committed to making a difference.”

The LPVEC Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, legal studies, and public safety through hands-on learning and guest lectures from industry professionals. The visit provided students with the unique opportunity to engage directly with a sitting District Attorney and ask questions about both the challenges and rewards of serving in public office. LPVEC is a group of seven school districts, Agawam, East Longmeadow, Hampden-Wilbraham Regional, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional, and West Springfield, who focus on expanding the quality of education in the member school districts.