Law Day Essay Contest and Spirit Award Winners Announced
The 2026 Kane County Law Day essay contest, open to sophomores and juniors in county high schools, invited 500-word submissions responding to the American Bar Association theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” Judges from the 16th Judicial Circuit and members of the Kane County Bar Foundation visited schools countywide to present winners with cash prizes, certificates, and swag bags in front of educators, staff, and family. Chief Judge Robert Villa noted that all monetary prizes were generously donated by the Kane County Bar Foundation.
2026 Kane County Law Day Essay Contest Winners (photos below, left to right)
Izzy Pasternak (Sophomore, Rosary College Prep) — 1st Place: $500. Presented by Judge Reginald Campbell, Judge D.J. Tegeler, and KCBF member Chrissie White.
Malyada Medikundam (Junior, Illinois Math and Science Academy) — 1st Place: $500. Presented by Judge Keith Johnson and KCBF Board member Paul Steele.
Santiago Garcia (Junior, Marmion Academy) — 2nd Place: $250. Presented by Judge Kimberly DiGiovanni and KCBF President Katie Doyen (not pictured).
Anya Amin (Junior, St. Charles East High School) — 3rd Place: $250. Presented by Chief Judge Robert Villa and KCBF Executive Director Ann Lobb (not pictured).
During the ceremony, Chief Judge Villa also presented the inaugural 16th Judicial Circuit Law Day Spirit Award to Julie Cibulskis, Esq., of Speers, Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C. Created by the Chief Judge’s Office, the Spirit Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the principles of the law and dedication to the legal community. Chief Judge Villa shared, “Julie is someone who really embodies what I think is the spirit of the law, its practice as a professional, what impacts us, and how you get involved.”
