February 28, 2024

On 2/28/24, Magistrate Judges Thérèse Wiley Dancks and Mitchell J. Katz hosted 71 3rd grade students from Bellamy Elementary School at the Syracuse Courthouse. The students heard from NYS Trooper Kevin Connors with canine partner, Todz, followed by AUSA Richard Southwick and Defense Attorney Annaleigh Porter regarding their careers. Following the group discussions, the students participated in the trial of the Big Bad Wolf presided by Magistrate Judge Katz where the three little pigs took the witness stand in support of AUSA Southwick’s prosecution of Mr. Wolf, who was represented by Attorney Porter. The student jury found in favor of Mr. Wolf who was acquitted.

March 1, 2024

On March 1, 2024, Chief Judge Sannes gave the keynote lecture discussing the importance of the courts and the rule of law in our democracy at a Youth Law Day event at Syracuse University Law School to approximately 100 high school students. The students were from five different high schools, and included students on mock trial teams, students taking law classes and students taking forensic science classes. Chief Magistrate Judge Therese Dancks appeared on a panel on Effective Advocacy. Judge Suddaby's career law clerk, Michael Langan, spoke to the students about the Constitutional Scholars Program, and encouraged students to submit entries to the program.

March 7, 2024

On March 7, 2024, Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks hosted students from the Syracuse Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler High School for a Naturalization Ceremony. Some of the students observed the ceremony and others were part of the school choral who provided entertainment for the ceremony. Judge Dancks met with all of the students and their teachers afterwards to discuss how immigrants become citizens and other Court matters.

April 12, 2024

On 4/12/24, Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric hosted 13 high school students from the Broome/Tioga New Visions Government & Law Program. The students heard presentations from Judge Lovric’s Career Law Clerk, Abigail Hind, and Judge McAvoy’s law clerk, Richard Lindstrom. They discussed their career paths to becoming a law clerk; the functions and daily work of a law clerk to a federal judge; how law clerks contribute to the workings of the federal court and federal judges; and the students were given a surprise quiz to test their knowledge of the Constitution and the Federal Court system.

April 12, 2024

On 4/12/24, District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby and Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz hosted students from the OCM BOCES New Vision Criminal Justice class. The students heard presentations from both Judges as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gadarian, Federal Public Defender Lisa Peebles, and Supervisory Probation Officer Ellen Phillips with regard to their career paths and their job duties. The students participated in a Q&A with the presenters and judges.

I’m writing to express my gratitude for the incredible opportunity you provided for my students to visit the Federal Court recently. The organization of the tour was impeccable, allowing the students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the court system.

It was truly inspiring for them to hear firsthand from esteemed individuals like U.S. Attorney Michael Gardarian, Judge Katz, Federal Defender Lisa Peebles, Probation Officer Ellen Phillips and the Honorable G. Suddaby. The clear and engaging explanations of the adversarial process and each official's role were invaluable for the students.

We were particularly touched by the willingness of everyone we met to dedicate their time to our students. Their professionalism and approachability made the entire experience feel incredibly welcoming. The thoughtful goodie bags were an added bonus that the students enjoyed. We truly appreciate the entire staff's commitment to making this visit a success. This experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our students. Thank you again for your generosity and dedication to fostering civic education.

The students will be following up with a handwritten thank-you note of their own. Much appreciation.

Respectfully,
Kelly Cunningham
OCM BOCES

April 18, 2024

On April 18, 2024, District Judge Anne M. Nardacci hosted students from Shaker High School at the Albany Courthouse. The students observed a sentencing presided by Judge Nardacci, followed by a Q&A with the Judge as well as presentations from U.S. Marshals Anthony Loguidice and Jarrett Wager, Probation Officers Chelsea Deyo, Jeannine Kiebart, Brynn Miltner and Ron Lacoy; and Clerk of Court John Domurad.

April 22, 2024

On 4/22/24, District Judge Anne M. Nardacci hosted students from St. Gregory’s School at the Albany Courthouse. The students observed a Waiver of Indictment/Change of Plea hearing presided by Judge Nardacci, followed by a Q&A with the Judge. The students then heard a presentation from AUSA Mikayla Espinosa regarding a career with the U.S. Attorney’s office, and finished with a presentation and courthouse tour led by Clerk of Court John Domurad.

April 26, 2024

Magistrate Judge Lovric hosted 15 high school students from the Broome-Tioga New Visions Government & Law Academy on 4/26/24. The students heard from Federal Public Defender Lisa Peebles and Investigator John O’Brien regarding their career paths and how the Office of Federal Public Defender fits into the courts and federal judicial system, their role, and the type of work they perform. They also discussed some case examples handled by OFPD with the students.

May 3, 2024

Magistrate Judge Lovric hosted the final presentation in a series with the Broome-Tioga New Visions Government & Law Academy high school students on 5/3/24. The students heard from Peter Orville, Esq., a Binghamton attorney, who specializes in Bankruptcy. Mr. Orville discussed a variety of topics, including finances, loans, credit cards, car loans, home mortgages, as well as financing college and graduate school. He provided valuable insight to the students who are about to enter the world of finances, debt, and how to manage their financial portfolio.

May 7, 2024

On 5/7/24, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Wendy A. Kinsella hosted high school students from Camden and Cortland High Schools in celebration of Law Month. This year’s topic was the “Voices of Democracy” where the students discussed/argued historical cases involving free speech and voting with the Judge, as well as Eric Nordby, Esq. and Liza Magley, Esq. from the FCBA. Following the discussion group, the students heard from AUSA Michael Perry, AFPD Anne LaFex, Chief PO Officer Michael Kester, and former Secret Service/DEA Agent Anthony Hart, Jr. regarding careers in the legal field.

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity for Camden students to come and be a part of Law Day. Students spoke favorably about all of the presenters. Thank you for all of the communication, and the organization of this program. From the students who attended, you had their FULL ATTENTION! They heard the messages and appreciated the variety of speakers and their interactions with them.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for this event.

Judy Dacey
Camden High School

May 9, 2024

On May 9, 2024, Magistrate Judge Andrew Baxter and Attorneys Angelo Catalano and John Powers made Law Day presentations to a total of 40 students at Tully High School in the Participation in Government classes of social studies teacher Sandra Mulondo. The groups discussed the evolution of voting rights in the United States since the founding of the country and more recent efforts in state legislatures and in the courts to limit those rights. The students shared insights as to why the current political discourse may not be registering with younger people or motivating them to engage in the electoral process—a concern that motivates the judges and lawyers of the Northern District of New York to continue civics education outreach in schools.

May 14, 2024

On May 14, 2024, Chief Judge Sannes and NDNY FCBA member William Wolfe made a Voices of Democracy presentation at Fowler High School to approximately 50 high school students. Judge Sannes and Attorney Wolfe discussed the amendments to the constitution expanding the right to vote and encouraged the students to register to vote and to vote. Judge Sannes and Attorney Wolfe engaged the students in a dialogue about what happens when laws designed to protect the right to vote impact a citizen's right to Free Speech under the First Amendment, considering the case of United States v. Mackey, 2023 WL 6879613 (E.D.N.Y. October 17, 2023). (In Mackey, a twenty-six year old was convicted of conspiring to injure Twitter users' right to vote in the 2016 Presidential election by posting images and tweets telling people that they could vote for Hillary Clinton by tweet or text.) The high school teacher reported that the day after this presentation the students were interested in learning more about their common councilor, and the teacher identified the districts, where the students lived, who their common councilors were, and how to contact them.

May 21, 2024

On 5/21/24, in celebration of Law Month, students from Bishop Grimes High School participated in the Voices of Democracy Program with Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, Suzanne Galbato, Esq. and Suzanne Messer, Esq., partners of Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm, in which the students discussed historical case law involving free speech and voting rights. Following the group discussion, the students heard from AUSA Tamara Thomson, AFPD Courtenay McKeon, PO Michael Christopher, and USM Alexander Baker regarding careers in their agencies.

May 22, 2024

On May 22, 2024, in celebration of Law Month, Magistrate Judge Mitchell Katz and law clerk Chaim Jaffe traveled to Sauquoit Valley High School and made a presentation to 45 students in two classes concerning the history of voting rights from the adoption of the US Constitution to the present, including a review of recent consequential decisions.

May 30, 2024

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Patrick Radel presided over the mock trial of the Big Bad Wolfe on 5/30/24 in the courthouse in Utica. AUSA Richard Southwick prosecuted the case. AFPD Randi Bianco represented Mr. Wolfe, and three witnesses (3 little pigs) testified. Over 200 students from Perry Jr. High School participated in the mock trial, and acted as jurors. News Channel 2 reported. https://www.wktv.com/news/education/united-states-vs-the-big-bad-wolf/article_1f83c3e6-1ecb-11ef-8aaf-b3f2a8afe365.html

May 31, 2024

On 5/31/2024, District Judge Anne M. Nardacci hosted approximately ninety 5th graders from Tamarac Elementary in Albany New York. The students watched a Change of Plea hearing followed by a Q&A with Judge Nardacci. The students also heard from Probation Officers Jeannine Kiebart and Ron LaCoy about their career paths and a career as a Probation Officer, and then finished their day with a Courthouse tour with Clerk of Court John M. Domurad.

June 4, 2024

On 6/4/24, District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino hosted approximately 40 students from Lake Placid Elementary at the Albany Courthouse. Judge D’Agostino discussed her pathway to the bench, the differences between civil and criminal cases, internet safety and the constitutional rights of citizens. She engaged the students in a Q&A followed by a tour of the Albany Courthouse.

June 6, 2024

On 6/6/24, District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino was a guest speaker at the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society induction at Shenendehowa High School. Approximately 40 high school students were inducted. Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies.

August 16, 2024

Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks hosted 105 students from the Syracuse University College of Law JDi program at the Syracuse Courthouse on August 14. Presentations were made by three panels: the “Federal Agencies” panel consisted of AFPD Courtenay McKeon, AUSA David Katz, AUSA Richard Southwick, PO Nick Bavaria; the “Life in Judicial Chambers” panel featured Career Law Clerk Jill Levy, Term Law Clerk Esteban Valtierra, and CRD Shelly Muller; and the “View from the Bench” panel featured District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby, Bankruptcy Judge Patrick G. Radel, and Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks.

October 21, 2024

On 10/21/24, Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks hosted 55 7th grade students from Port Byron Middle School at the Syracuse Courthouse. The students heard from NYS Trooper Kylie Black with her K9 partner, Loni, followed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Perry and Assistant Federal Public Defender Randi Bianco regarding their careers. Following the group discussions, the students participated in the trial of the Big Bad Wolf presided by Magistrate Judge Dancks where the three little pigs took the witness stand in support of AUSA Perry’s prosecution of Mr. Wolf, who was represented by Attorney Bianco. The student jury found in favor of Mr. Wolf who was acquitted.

November 4, 2024

Girl Scout Troop 60067 met with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thompson, Assistant Federal Public Defender Gabi DiBella, and Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks on November 4, 2024. The Troop of fifth and sixth graders, who are working on their Democracy badge, learned about Court proceedings and careers in the Courts from the presenters.

November 5, 2024

On 11/5/24, District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino hosted 64 students from Hoosick Falls Central School at the Albany Courthouse. The students observed a sentencing presided by Judge D’Agostino, followed by a Q&A with the Judge as well as presentations from AUSA Joseph Hartunian, CJA Counsel Arthur Frost, and Probation Officers Chelsea Deyo, Dan Casullo and Amy Brancatelli. The students finished the day with a courthouse tour with Courtroom Deputy Dan Krug.

November 7, 2024

On 11/7/24, Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles presided over a Naturalization Ceremony at Onondaga Community College, where 80 new U.S. citizens from 39 different countries took the Oath of Allegiance. Abdul Rashid Khan Hatef, a former Afghan national, shared his inspiring journey to U.S. citizenship. The ceremony was enriched by a musical performance from Amanda Costello, a music student at OCC. Students from a Senior Government class from Canastota High School attended the ceremony, followed by a Q&A session with Judge Peebles.

November 14, 2024

On 11/14/24, District Judge Anne M. Nardacci and Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel hosted 60 students from Berlin High School and Columbia High School at the Albany Courthouse. The students watched a sentencing presided by Judge Nardacci, followed by a Q&A with the Judges. The students also heard presentations from AUSA Cate Clark, AUSA Matthew Paulbeck, and AUSA Joshua Rosenthal, and they ended the day with a courthouse tour.

November 15, 2024

Le Moyne alumni Dep. Chief Clerk Dan McAllister, CRD Nicole Eallonardo, Dep Marshal Alex Baker, Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks welcomed with current Le Moyne pre-law students to the Court on November 15, 2024. In addition to meeting with Le Moyne alumni, the group also met with various other Court members to discuss career opportunities in the Court. They heard from AUSA Michael Gadarian, Criminal Defense Attorney and CJA panel member Annaleigh Porter, Probation Officer Nick Bavaria who is also a Le Moyne alum, and District Judge Glenn Suddaby, Bankruptcy Judge Pat Radel, and Magistrate Judge Mitchell Katz. The program was moderated by Magistrate Judge Dancks.

November 19, 2024

On 11/19/24, District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby and Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks hosted students from PLSA Fowler High School and Cincinnatus High School at the Syracuse Courthouse. The students observed two sentencings presided by Judge Suddaby, followed by a Q&A with the Judge as well as presentations from AUSA Jessica Carbone, CJA Counsel Kimberly Zimmer and William Sullivan, and Probation Officer Nick Bavaria.

December 11, 2024

On 12/11/24, District Judge Mae D’Agostino hosted 27 students from Shenendehowa High School at the Albany Courthouse. The students watched a mock proceeding of a sentencing featuring Term Law Clerk Andrew Scampoli as the prosecutor and Term Law Clerk Ariel Shuster as the Attorney for the Defendant, who was played by a student from the class. Following the “sentencing”, the students had a Q&A with Judge D’Agostino and her law clerks. The students also heard presentations from AUSA AJ Vickey, as well as Probation Officers Chelsea Deyo, Dan Casullo, Kristin Bent, Ron Lacoy, Blake Dobraj and intern Emily Lussier. The students finished the day with a courthouse tour with Courtroom Deputy Dan Krug.

Good evening,
On behalf of myself and my Criminal Justice students, we would like to say THANK YOU for the wonderful learning opportunity. The students had great feedback and would like Judge D’Agostino to know how appreciative they are for her time and knowledge. They also loved the behind the scenes peek at her chambers. Lunch was delicious and the students all had their stress balls today in class. Thank you again and I look forward to hopefully returning in the spring with my second semester students.

Happy Holidays!
Casey Lavarge

December 13, 2024

On 12/13/24, U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino presided over a Naturalization Ceremony where 29 individuals from 22 countries were sworn as U.S. citizens. AP History students from Hoosick Falls High School had the unique opportunity to witness this meaningful event. Following the ceremony, the students toured the courthouse with Courtroom Deputy Dan Krug and enjoyed a Q&A session with Judge D’Agostino as well as a tour of her chambers. The day wrapped up with the students attending a live court proceeding, also presided over by the Judge. A truly unforgettable experience that brought history to life!

Judge D'Agostino:

Thank you again to you and the entire court staff for providing such a fantastic experience that my students will remember for years to come. The staff clearly takes great pride in their work and the building itself. As a social studies teacher, I was fascinated by the building's history, especially the beautiful Art Deco design elements that have been so carefully preserved. It is evident that there is pride not only in the court's work but also in the building that houses it.

The Naturalization Ceremony was an incredible and moving experience for my students. Many of them expressed that everyone should attend at least one in their lifetime to truly appreciate their own citizenship and country. The words you shared with the new citizens were powerful and meaningful, and I am certain they will stay with both the new citizens and my students for a lifetime.

My students also appreciated that you took time out of your busy schedule to speak with them and share your experiences as the first woman appointed as a justice to the court in Albany. I sincerely thank you for your time and attention.

I look forward to visiting again in the future!

Thank you again.
Brian Bushner - Hoosick Falls High School

December 20, 2024

Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric hosted 14 students from the BOCES New Visions Program consisting of 12th grade students from different school districts across the Southern Tier. The students heard from U.S. Marshal Andrew Kolut regarding a career with the U.S. Marshal Service which ended with a tour of the cell block.