Retired Henry County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Vicki S. Snyder is the 2026 recipient of the Jim Pryor Award for Child Advocacy. She accepted the award from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) at their 2026 Children’s Advocacy Days held at Trevecca Nazarene University on March 10.
“I’m humbled and honored by the award,” said Judge Snyder. A child should be safe, and every child deserves to be somebody’s someone and not be alone. It is in my heart. It’s my purpose.”
Tennessee State Senator Ferrell Haile introduced Judge Snyder as a strong advocate for children.
“She played a key role in statewide juvenile justice efforts, serving in leadership positions in the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and contributed to major task forces focused on juvenile court reform,” said Senator Haile. “A champion for children and families, she’s helped develop Henry County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and was one of the first juvenile court judges in the Tennessee to establish a Safe Baby Court.”
Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw presented Judge Snyder with the award, adding she has been steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in our legal system.
“Judge Snyder’s always been a good friend and source of support for me and other judges, and other attorneys,” said Judge Philyaw. “She’s gracious with her time and has acquitted herself honorably and well on the bench. I count her as a friend as well as a colleague.”
As for post-retirement work in child advocacy, Judge Snyder said her work will continue in a different way.
“I have been blessed by being able to work with wonderful people who work in different capacities of child advocacy,” said Judge Snyder. “It’s been my privilege and a real privilege to get the Jim Pryor Award, a champion of child advocacy and safety.”
About the Jim Pryor Award Child Advocacy Award:
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) awarded its first Jim Pryor Child Advocacy Award posthumously to Jim Pryor in March 1995. 1994who passed away in May of 1994, was a member of TCCY and an outstanding advocate for children. He was an attorney, a former assistant district attorney, a member of the state Child Sexual Abuse Task Force, and an active member of the Northeast Regional Council on Children and Youth.
