Rochester: 'What Justice Means to Me': Students recognized for winning J.U.S.T. L.A.W. essay contest
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~ Rochester, NY- The seventh annual awards ceremony for J.U.S.T. L.A.W. was held today at the Hall of Justice, located at 99 Exchange Blvd. The event recognized 12 outstanding middle school students who were selected for their winning essays on the topic, "What Justice Means to Me."

J.U.S.T. L.A.W., which stands for Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, Writing, is a collaborative effort between 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 ceremony was hosted by Mayor Malik Evans and attended by esteemed guests including the Honorable William K. Taylor, the Honorable Craig Doran, the Honorable Fatimat O. Reid and RCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland. The students were congratulated with certificates, medals of honor and prizes.

In his speech at the event, Mayor Evans commended both the youth essayists and community partners for engaging in an important conversation about justice in our city. He also highlighted how J.U.S.T. L.A.W. fosters positive relationships between young people and the justice system.

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Dr. Strickland also praised J.U.S.T L.A.W., calling it a transformative program that bridges the gap between theory and reality by bringing students into the Hall of Justice to learn directly from those who uphold our legal system.

7th Judicial District Administrative Judge William K. Taylor expressed his gratitude towards community partners and teachers for making this program possible each year. He emphasized how J.U.S.T L.A.W encourages trust in the justice system by providing exposure to courts through positive interactions with judges and court staff.

The J.U.S.T L.A.W program begins with visits from judges of the 7th Judicial District to RCSD schools where they present information on how the justice system works and its role in the community. This is followed by an opportunity for students to share their own perspectives and experiences with the justice system, fostering important dialogue between court officials and participating youth.

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After the school presentations, students were asked to write a 250-word essay on the topic, "What Justice Means to Me." The J.U.S.T L.A.W. executive committee members judged over 100 essays and selected 12 winners, mirroring the jury selection process where 12 jurors play a critical role in the outcome of a trial.

The 2024-2025 J.U.S.T L.A.W. student winners are Angelina Ceravolo-Mercado from Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Ja'Cier Cowart from Rochester City School No.16, Finn Delehanty from School of The Arts, Charlee Dilley from School of The Arts, Christian Dukes from Rochester City School No.16, Amira Jilane from John Williams School No.5, Arlin Johnson from Rochester City School No.16, Reagan Johnson from East Lower School, Daniel Mykins from Rochester City School No.16, Karon Odum from Loretta Johnson Middle School, Annabelle Ortiz from East High School and Thalia Sampel from John Williams School #5.

For more information on J.U.S.T L.A.W., please visit www.cityofrochester.gov/justlaw/.

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