A student from the Dunkirk City School District recently took second place in a mock argument competition by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. Christina Zastrow, who is enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at the BOCES LoGuidice Center, was among seven students from three schools who competed at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse in Buffalo. She was joined in the mock argument by two other Criminal Justice students from LoGuidice -- Julian Rivera and Natalia Elliott. All three previously took part in an essay contest by the court to mark its 125th anniversary.
Criminal Justice instructor Jennie Alessi brought her class to the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse to support the three students competing. District Superintendent David O'Rourke and LoGuidice Principal Joe Pagan also attended the event.
During the mock argument, each student presented their case in a round lasting about five minutes before three federal judges. The Honorable Elizabeth Wolford, Chief U.S. District Judge, presided over the competition, accompanied by U.S. District Judge Meredith Vacca and U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Pedersen.
Students focused on a school policy while considering the implications of the First Amendment. Zastrow, Rivera and Elliott specifically chose to argue the school dress code in relation to freedom of speech and expression.
All seven participants, along with their teachers, also received invitations to the annual WNY District Court dinner on Wednesday, May 7th. The guest of honor for the evening will be U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who will also extend his congratulations to the participants.
Photo by Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
