For immediate release:

 20th Judicial Circuit to Receive Illinois Judges Association Award

            Illinois Judges Association President Judge James Snyder is pleased to announce that the Illinois Judges Association will be presenting an ‘Excellence in Outreach’ award to the 20th Judicial Circuit on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Law Library of the St. Clair County Courthouse at 10 Public Square in Belleville, IL. The judges from the 20th Judicial Circuit that have participated in the IJA in-schools programs will have spoken to approximately 10,000 students in more than 60 schools throughout their five-county circuit in a nearly one year period. Members of the press and public are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

            The in-schools programs that are being presented include ‘7 Reasons to Leave the Party’ and ‘Worries of the World-Wide Web’. These programs focus on educating students about the legal consequences of potential situations that could be encountered at a party and about cyber-bullying and other dangers in using the internet. The judges show a video and then lead a discussion with the students. The ‘7 Reasons’ program also features a contract the students sign to pledge to avoid situations with drugs and alcohol.

            “We are proud of the judges and their energetic outreach in the community. Their dedication to these programs instills respect and understanding for the law and they have improved the quality of justice,” noted IJA President Judge James Snyder. Judge Snyder will present the awards along with IJA officers and Board members. Students from one of the local schools that have been visited by the judges and their superintendent have also been invited.

            In addition to the plaque being presented to the circuit, the judges who have participated in the in-schools programming will receive certificates. They are:

            Chief Judge Andrew Gleeson, Judge Heinz Rudolf, Judge John O'Gara, Judge Julia Gomric, Judge Dan Emge, Judge Chris Kolker, Judge Steve McGlynn, Judge Janet Hormberg and Judge Julie Katz.

            Judge Katz is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Judges Association and Judge Kolker is on the board of the Illinois Judges Foundation.

            The Illinois Judges Association consists of over 1250 current and retired judges. The Association supports judicial excellence, professional development and judicial education, fosters public confidence and works to preserve the independence of the judiciary by educating the public and students. For more information or to request a program at a local school, visit the website at www.ija.org, email Executive Director Kathy Hosty at [email protected] or call 312/431-1283. Members of the public are invited to attend the event and to follow IJA on twitter at @ILJudgesAssoc.