Students Honored for Essays on Justice in Annual J.U.S.T. L.A.W. Awards

Twelve Rochester middle school students were honored Wednesday at the Hall of Justice for their winning essays in the seventh annual J.U.S.T. L.A.W. awards ceremony, celebrating youth perspectives on the theme “What Justice Means to Me.”

2025 J.U.S.T. Law essay contest winners.

The program—an acronym for Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, Writing—is a collaborative effort among the City of Rochester, the 7th Judicial District, radio station WDKX 103.9 FM, the Rochester Black Bar Association, and the Rochester City School District (RCSD). It aims to build bridges between local youth and the justice system through education, dialogue, and creative expression.

Mayor Malik Evans, along with Judges William K. Taylor, Craig Doran, Fatimat O. Reid, and RCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland, presented certificates, medals, and prizes to the student winners in a ceremony held at 99 Exchange Blvd.

“I applaud our youth essayists and community partners for engaging on the important topic of what justice means to individuals and our city,” Evans said. “The J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program fosters positive relationships with the justice system that lay the foundation for a bright future—and maybe even a career—for our young people.”

More than 100 students submitted 250-word essays after hearing presentations by 7th Judicial District judges at RCSD schools earlier this year. The top 12 essays were selected to reflect the 12-member jury system central to the American legal process.

“This is a transformative program,” said Dr. Strickland. “It brings our students into the Hall of Justice to learn from those who uphold our legal system, illuminating the principles of fairness and inspiring our students to live by the values of justice.”

Judge Taylor called the initiative “an important educational community effort” that helps build trust in the justice system by encouraging direct and positive interaction with judges and court staff.

This year’s essay winners are:

• Angelina Ceravolo-Mercado, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, 8th grade

• Ja’Cier Cowart, RCSD School No. 16, 6th grade

• Finn Delehanty, School of the Arts, 7th grade

• Charlee Dilley, School of the Arts, 7th grade

• Christian Dukes, RCSD School No. 16, 6th grade

• Amira Jilane, John Williams School No. 5, 6th grade

• Arlin Johnson, RCSD School No. 16, 6th grade

• Reagan Johnson, East Lower School, 8th grade

• Daniel Mykins, RCSD School No. 16, 6th grade

• Karon Odum, Loretta Johnson Middle School, 8th grade

• Annabelle Ortiz, East High School, 7th grade

• Thalia Sampel, John Williams School No. 5, 6th grade

More information about the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program is available at cityofrochester.gov/justlaw.