Grand Rapids, Michigan – The 61st District Court partnered with the Grand Rapids Bar Association & the Justice Foundation of West Michigan to celebrate Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law and provide an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.
This year, the 61st District Court hosted students from Ottawa Hills High School for an engaging educational experience at the courthouse. Students observed court proceedings, toured the Kent County Courthouse, and engaged directly with judges, attorneys, and court staff. In combination with the visit, students were invited to participate in the Court’s 2026 Law Day Essay Contest centered around the year’s national theme: “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
The judges reviewed all the essay submissions and selected the top three for recognition during a luncheon honoring the students’ work. Brianna Gohlke-Clausen, Executive Director/CEO of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, welcomed the students and guests, and Chief Judge Angela Ross presented certificates honoring the winners. Through the generosity of the Justice Foundation of West Michigan, the winning students received a gift card that can be used towards their American Dream.
During the event, students had the opportunity to hear directly from the Judges of the 61st District Court. They shared personal stories about the paths they took to become judges, the pivotal role education, combined with life experiences, played in their journeys.
Law Day underscores the importance of the rule of law in American democracy. The Court’s initiative provided an educational and inspiring experience that highlighted the promise of the Constitution through the voices of its youngest in our Grand Rapids Community.
Here are the winners of the 2026 Law Day essay contest: 1st Place: Ezekeri Maniraguha, 2nd Place: Brooke Brisco, 3rd Place: Shadia Diriye.
Judge Angela Ross, Judge Nicholas Ayoub, First Place Winner Ezekeri Maniraguha, Judge Kellen Dotson, Judge Michael Distel, Judge Christina Mims (Circuit Court), Judge Jennifer Faber
1st Place Ezekeri Maniraguha, 2nd Place Brooke Brisco, 3rd Place Shadia Diriye
Ottawa Hills High School Students
Law Day Trivia Competition