During the recent The Florida Bar Annual Convention, the first Justice Teaching “Jurist of the Year” and “Volunteer of the Year” awards were presented to members of the Jacksonville legal community.
Circuit Judge Karen Cole was honored as the “Jurist of the Year” and attorney Wayne Hogan as “Volunteer of the Year.” They were recognized by the Bar Law Related Education Committee during the judicial luncheon at the convention.
"They received the awards because they most exemplified the spirit and purpose of Justice Teaching — that is, dedication to bringing civic education to the children of Florida," said Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis.
Lewis founded Justice Teaching in 2006 to educate the public on the operation of the American justice system and the basic principles behind the country’s constitutional institutions and structures.
The goal of the program is to pair legal professionals with elementary, middle and high school teachers in Florida.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for attorneys and judges to make a difference in the lives of Florida children," said Cole. "Justice Teaching not only benefits individual students, but has a more profound impact. By educating children about our democracy and its fundamental tenets, Justice Teaching, and the thousands of volunteers who visit Florida schools during the year, strengthen and promote not only the interests of our state and this great nation, but also the institutions that support our democratic way of life," said Cole.
Justice Teaching is governed by judges from each of Florida's five appellate districts and 20 judicial circuits.
“I appreciate the acknowledgement of the work that has been done by many — I just happen to be one — to promote and place the Justice Teaching program in our schools,” said Hogan, who has presented the program locally at Lee High School.
“Providing students with the tools that they need to appreciate the role of our system of governance in providing fair and impartial courts is crucial, as is their understanding of the rights provided in the federal and state constitutions,” said Hogan.
@photojoe71
356-2466