New state appeals court judge brings energy and theatricality

After an interview with Gov. Eric Holcomb, he handed Judge Mary DeBoer a business card with his cell phone number on it.

She saved the number in her phone.

About a week later, on Sept. 17, she received a call from that number.

“I saw Eric Holcomb on the cell phone screen, and just started like, ‘I can’t believe it.’ So I answered, and that’s when he said, ‘Well, Judge DeBoer, I just want to welcome you to the Indiana Court of Appeals’,” DeBoer said. “It was magical.”

Holcomb had earlier appointed DeBoer as Porter Circuit Court judge in 2019, so she said it feels like this second appointment to an even higher court has bonded them.

DeBoer came to the Indiana Court of Appeals in early October, ready to go.

She already has participated on several three-judge panels to reach court decisions and has penned an opinion.

“The first day she came in, she had three clerks and an administrative assistant, which is incredible, and they are now helping her to write opinions, and they’re good, good opinions,” Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Nancy Vaidik said.

Vaidik is one of three mentors on the court for DeBoer.

The court has a program in place for new judges to be paired with a senior member of the court, someone who is mid-career, and someone newer.

DeBoer has been paired with Vaidik, Chief Judge Robert Altice and Judge Dana Kenworthy.

Valdik and DeBoer go way back to when Vaidik used to be a Porter Superior Court judge. DeBoer recalls appearing in Vaidik’s court while pregnant with her daughter, who is now 28 years old.

“Having the opportunity to practice in front of her and now serve with her is super,” DeBoer said.

Vaidik said when DeBoer rose to the trial court bench, she gave her a pink boa at her swearing in ceremony.

“Because that’s her personality. She walks into a room and everyone knows she’s there. She’s full of energy, excitement, ready to tackle anything motivating people around her,” Vaidik said.

Leaving a mark

Even now that DeBoer has left the Porter Circuit Court, her influence and innovations remain.

Vaidik got a little emotional talking about DeBoer naming the juvenile courtroom in Porter County after her predecessor Mary Harper.

She said DeBoer had a “wonderful ceremony” for Harper, which she was able to attend before death in 2022.

Vaidik said it was the first time that a courtroom was named for another judge in Porter County.

“I was so proud of her to do that, for doing that for a fellow judge,” Vaidik said.

DeBoer also started the truancy problem-solving court in Porter County, which is the only one in the Hoosier state.

“If a parent got found guilty of educational neglect, something like that, we could deal with the entire family in that process, which was very helpful,” said Juvenile Services Director Amy Beier. “That’s a pretty unique thing to Indiana.”

She said DeBoer also was able to get all seven school district superintendents together to discuss the issues surrounding the increasing number of minors who are vaping.

“Vaping is such a huge deal right now across the board, in all age brackets, but especially with adolescents,” Beier said. “Any kids that are bringing THC products and stuff, and get caught with it at school and things like that. The schools don’t know what to do with those.”

DeBoer said besides the people she got to work with she is going to miss coming up with new programs and problem solving courts.

One program she got up running just before she left can from a side passion of hers – theater.

The immersion in the arts program provides an opportunity for juveniles to meet with the Director of Education at the Chicago Street Theater and others that know set design and culinary arts and costumes and more.

“Just to get these kids excited. First of all, excited about something that may spark an interest with them. And second, it would put them in touch with a physical person who is dying to help them and teach them,” DeBoer said. “It was just the coolest thing.”

DeBoer joined the Chicago Street Theater in her 30s.

“I went to my first audition, and I didn’t get the part, but they asked if I would help behind backstage, and so for the first two or three shows that I auditioned for, I didn’t get the parts, and I would just help with props or costumes, or helping people with their lines, that kind of thing,” DeBoer said.

Now, 22 years later, DeBoer has done about 50 shows ranging from supporting roles to lead roles and even a small cameo. She has also helped direct shows.

“I believe the arts are so powerful in our communities, for families and for kids to get involved in,” DeBoer said.

While DeBoer had a private swearing in ceremony so she would get started working, she has a formal robing ceremony set for Dec. 9.

“It’s kind of dreamy,” DeBoer said of being on the appellate court.•