THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 THIRD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS ESSAY CONTEST

               In commemoration of Law Day, the Courts, Community, and Rule of Law Committee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals hosted an essay contest for fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students within the Third Circuit, which is comprised of  Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,  and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The District of Delaware invited local schools throughout all three counties in the District to submit class essays on the topic, “Why is the Right to a Jury Trial Important?”  The essays were evaluated by a panel of Judges on the District and Bankruptcy Courts for focus, content development, organization and style.

Winning submissions were selected from the following schools:   Ms. Vanessa Gallaher’s fourth grade class from the Bayard School, Ms. Jamie Henry’s fifth grade class from Mispillion Elementary School, Ms. Vanessa Johnson’s sixth grade class from Dover Middle School of Excellence, and Ms. Joy Schwab’s seventh grade class from the Newark Charter School. 

On May 6, 2024, the District Court of the District of Delaware held a public ceremony in Judge Maryellen Noreika’s courtroom in the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building where the students from each of the four winning classes read their respective essays.  Judge Maryellen Noreika was joined by Bankruptcy Judge J. Kate Stickles, Magistrate Judge Sherry Fallon and Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke.   The Judges presented congratulatory remarks to the students on the excellent quality of the submissions and the impressive presentations by the student speakers.  All essay submissions were outstanding and reflected the thoughtfulness and effort the students and teachers dedicated to this contest. 

The District Court extends sincere thanks to the participating students and teachers, and the Courts, Community and Rule of Law Committee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

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