A group of Yavneh Academy seventh and eighth grade Civic Spirit Club members attended Middle School Civic Spirit Day at the Eastern District Court in Brooklyn, New York. After hearing opening remarks from the leaders of the Civic Spirit organization, the students received a crash course in the judicial system presented by Second Circuit Court Judge Richard J. Sullivan. His interactive presentation began with how the “Third Branch” is named and described in the Constitution. Judge Sullivan led the group to another courtroom where the children witnessed a naturalization ceremony. Judge Sullivan spoke to the new citizens and shared his own family’s immigration experiences.
Led by the Justice For All Courts and the Community Initiative, the programming for the day allowed students to gain an understanding and appreciation of all of the facets of the justice system.
U.S. Marshals spoke about their career paths and responsibilities of their jobs. They explained how the U.S. Marshals protect members of the court and help state and local law enforcement agencies find and arrest criminals. The Marshals allowed students to try on their protective gear and take a teacher into custody—leading them into the holding cell behind the courtroom. There was a special demonstration from K-9 Grover, who successfully found a training bomb in different spots in the courtroom. The students learned about how the dog searches for materials and responds to commands. Everyone in the room was impressed by the rigorous training it takes to become a U.S. Marshal deputy.
Two Assistant US Attorneys addressed the group about their roles in prosecuting a wide variety of crimes. A Federal Public Defender shared details about cases where she helped defend people who were accused of serious crimes. The students heard stories about high-profile cases from different perspectives.
Over lunch, the students met former NFL player Michael Catapano. He shared his football career journey that began as a child, continued through his attendance at Princeton University and culminated in playing for the Chiefs and the Jets. When his football career ended due to injury, he decided to go to law school. Mike described the challenges of his career change and the hard work and perseverance needed to become a lawyer. He now practices law in New York.
The Yavneh Academy children met students from nine other schools from the tri-state area and participated in breakout sessions about the day’s theme. This was Yavneh Academy’s second year attending Middle School Civic Spirit Day and the students are already excited to attend the next one.
