“What Justice Means to Me”: Students Recognized for Winning Just Law Essays

Just Law, an initiative to promote better understanding between court officials and city middle school youth, held its eighth annual awards ceremony today at the Hall of Justice, 99 Exchange Blvd., to recognize the 12 outstanding students who were selected for their winning essays on the topic, “What Justice Means to Me.”

Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, Writing (J.U.S.T. L.A.W.) is a collaborative effort between the City of Rochester, the 7^th Judicial District, radio station 103.9 FM WDKX, the Rochester Black Bar Association, and the Rochester City School District. 

Mayor Malik Evans, the Honorable William K. Taylor, the Honorable Craig Doran, the Honorable Fatimat O. Reid, and RCSD Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser gathered to host this special event and congratulate the students with certificates, medals of honor, and prizes.

“Finding your voice and the confidence to use it are essential for young people to shape their futures,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Just Law creates space for honest, meaningful conversations with our partners in the justice system, and help youth build understanding and trust. I congratulate the young people who have participated in this program and thank the many partners who continue to sustain it over the years.”

“The Just Law program brings the legal system to life for our students, giving them the confidence to find their voices and see themselves as future leaders,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “We are incredibly proud of these 12 scholars for engaging with our local judges in the classroom and for demonstrating, through their own unique perspectives, exactly what justice means to them.”

“We are proud to support and be part of the Just Law collaborative for Rochester City School District 6^th through 9^th graders,” said 7th Judicial District Administrative Judge William K. Taylor. “Judges and lawyers in the classrooms and young people learning in our courthouses are fundamental to this wonderful educational community initiative that builds positive connections and trust in the justice system. We are grateful to our community partners and to the teachers and students who make this program possible each year.”

Each year, the Just Law program begins with visits by judges from the 7^th Judicial District to RCSD schools to present information on how the justice system works and the role it plays in the community. Students then had the opportunity to share their own perspectives and experiences with the justice system, fostering important dialogue between court officials and participating youth.

Following the school presentations, students were asked to write a 250-word essay on the topic, “What Justice Means to Me.” More than 100 essays were judged by the Just Law executive committee members, and the top 12 essays were selected as the winners. The program selected 12 winners to mirror the jury selection process and the 12 jurors who play a critical role in the outcome of a trial.

The 2025-2026 Just Law student winners are:  

• Ala Mugalli, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, 8^th grade

• Annabelle Ortiz, East High School, 8^th grade

• Bita Jafari, World of Inquiry School No. 58, 8^th grade

• Calvin Starks, Dr. David and Ruth B. Anderson School No. 16, 6^th grade

• Ezekiel Pancheco, Dr. David and Ruth B. Anderson School No. 16, 6^th grade

• Isabel Castro, John Williams School No. 5, 6^th grade

• Jennifer Mubawa, The Children's School of Rochester School No. 15, 6^th grade

• Joyce Alfinez,    Anna Murray Douglass Academy No. 12, 6^th grade

• Justus  Morrison, Dr. David and Ruth B. Anderson School No. 16, 6^th grade

• Manahil Torakai, Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50, 6^th grade

• Mastoora Zarifi, Joseph Wilson High School, 9^th grade

• Parnain Shirin Sokhan, School Of The Arts, 8^th grade

For more information on Just Law, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/justlaw/.