The 16th Judicial Circuit, in partnership with the Kane County Bar Foundation (KCBF) and Kane County Bar Association (KCBA), marked Law Day with celebrations across the county, honoring the 2026 theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” Codified by president Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961, Law Day (held annually May 1) is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to reflect on how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. The main Law Day ceremony took place in the historic rotunda of the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva, while other award presentations and activities were held at various high schools throughout Kane County.
During the ceremony, Chief Judge Robert Villa presented the first annual 16th Judicial Circuit Law Day Spirit Award to Julie Cibulskis, Esq., of Speers, Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C. The award was created by the Chief Judge’s Office to recognize an individual (or individuals) who exemplifies the principles of the law and dedication to the legal community. Chief Judge Villa said it was very easy to select the inaugural award honoree sharing, “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.”
The annual contest was open to all sophomores and juniors who attend high schools in Kane County. Students were invited to submit 500-word essays centered on the 2026 American Bar Association’s Law Day Theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
The 2026 Kane County Law Day Essay Contest Winners:
•Izzy Pasternak (Sophomore, Rosary College Prep) first place: $500. Presented by judge Reginald Campbell, judge D.J. Tegeler, and Kane County Bar Foundation member Chrissie White.
•Malyada Medikundam (Junior, Illinois Math and Science Academy) first place: $500. Presented by judge Keith Johnson and Kane County Bar Foundation Board member Paul Steele.
•Santiago Garcia (Junior, Marmion Academy) second place: $250. Presented by judge Kimberly DiGiovanni and Kane County Bar Foundation president Katie Doyen.
•Anya Amin (Junior, St. Charles East High School) third place: $250. Presented by chief judge Robert Villa and Kane County Bar Foundation executive director Ann Lobb.
If you would like to read the winning Law Day essays, please visit https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Pages/Law-Day-Essay-Writing-Contest.aspx.
— 16th Judicial Circuit