Just Law Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony

Just Law ceremony. Photo: City of Rochester.

Just Law, an initiative designed to promote better understanding between court officials and city youth, held its sixth annual awards ceremony at the Hall of Justice. Of nearly 150 student submissions, 12 were recognized for their outstanding essays on “What Justice Means to Me.”

“Just Law is an outstanding way to engage our youth and encourage them to be leaders and role models among their peers,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I am incredibly proud of all the students who dedicated their time to writing essays and understanding our legal system. Their optimism gives us hope that we can create a hope-filled city that provides opportunity for everyone.”

Evans was joined by Rochester City Court administrative judges the Hon. William K. Taylor, the Hon. Craig Doran, the Hon. Fatimat O. Reid, and Rochester City School District (RCSD) Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso at the ceremony to congratulate the students for their participation. Rochester Black Bar Association President Peachie L. Jones served as mistress of ceremonies.

Just Law is an acronym for Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, and Writing. The program is a collaborative effort of the City of Rochester, the 7th Judicial District, radio station 103.9 FM WDKX, the Rochester Black Bar Association, and the Rochester City School District. The initiative provides students in grades 6–9 with the opportunity to interface with judges and other court officials and learn more about the U.S. legal system. The program was founded in 2017 by WDKX owner and general manager Andre Langston along with Justice Craig Doran in collaboration with the City of Rochester.

Throughout the school year, judges from the 7th Judicial District visited 17 RCSD schools to present information about how the justice system works and the role it plays in the community. Students shared their perspectives and experiences with the justice system, fostering dialogue between court officials and participating youth.

“Just Law is an important educational community collaborative that encourages trust in the justice system by providing exposure to the courts and its staff through positive interactions,” said Hon. Judge Doran. “Students can develop a deeper understanding of the local court system and learn about careers available in the court by interacting with judges and other court staff at their schools and the Hall of Justice.”

12 essayists were selected as the winners, to mirror the jury selection process and the 12 jurors selected for a trial.

The 2023-2024 Just Law student winners are:

• Amiliani Berrios-Quiala Anna Murray-Douglass Academy 7th grade

• Lari Bostick John Walton Spencer School 6th grade

• Bronwyn Capps School of the Arts 7th grade

• Mustafa Gili The Flower City School 6th grade

• Markaysha Holmes John Walton Spencer School 6th grade

• Justice Johnson John Walton Spencer School 6th grade

• Na’Zarie Mayhall School of the Arts 7th grade

• London Pettway John Walton Spencer School 6th grade

• Harmani Ponder Anna Murray-Douglass Academy 6th grade

• June Rogers School of the Arts 7th grade

• Serenity Stephens John Walton Spencer School 6th grade

• Doneal Williams Henry Hudson School 8th grade

"Watching as our students turn the writing of an essay into public speaking at the Hall of Justice is another example of the transformative power that our partners in education have on their lives,” Superintendent Peluso said “I am grateful for the opportunity to witness another round of Just Law contest winners and to hear their visions for a brighter future for everyone.”

“Judges in the classrooms and students in the courthouse is just the type of collaboration and connection our judiciary strives to have with our communities and those we serve,” said Hon. Judge Taylor. “On behalf of all our judges in Monroe County, I applaud the Just Law contest winners and all those who submitted essays. I remain grateful to the students for participating, their parents and teachers for supporting them, and all the partners and supporters who make Just Law possible. We can truly do great things when we engage and support young people and collaborate for the good of our community—two things that are the essence of Just Law.”