The Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section reached a milestone this February. Now in its 11th year, the Young Lawyers for Literacy Program read to over 12 classes of Kindergarten and 1st grade students at Stephen Foster Elementary School. Over 200 students had lawyers and judges read the book “Who Stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar” by Bonnie Lass and Philemon Sturges.

It was the largest group of students ever assembled that lawyers read the story to, and had the chance to interact with. Judge Robert Diaz and Attorney Kyle Roberts can be seen in the photo reading the story to the students. Attorney Roberts has led the group for the past four years. The program will continue through the end of the school year.

The sixth grade students of Attucks Middle School in Hollywood, FL visited the 17^th Judicial Courthouse and met with several judges and Court Staff as they asked compelling questions and took notes to apply to their future mock trial from their law studies class.

Students met with Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Keathan Frink and Judge Gary Farmer who were able to give the students more insight into the judicial process and what a career in law could look like.

On Saturday, February 11, 2023, the Broward Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section hosted
approximately 25 foster children from the community for their annual “Holiday in February” event
at the Museum of Discovery in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Honorable Thomas J. Coleman, the
Honorable Robert F. Diaz, and the Honorable George Odom Jr. got to enjoy playing games with
the children.

The event included games, contests, and a gift for each child. The children were then able to
tour the museum exhibits and enjoy the whole day with their family.

The Judicial Assistants of the 17th Judicial Circuit held a bake sale in the North Wing of the Broward County Courthouse on February 14, 2023. A variety of store bought and homemade baked goods were sold.

Proceeds from the sale went to the Judicial Assistants Association where donations help to build connections and promote advancement in the careers of Judicial Assistants.

The students of the Women of Tomorrow Program at Atlantic Technical High School
paid a visit to the 17th Circuit Courthouse where they were able to participate in a
Q&A session with the Honorable Betsy Benson and the Honorable Michele Towbin
Singer.

Students also had the chance to meet and speak with Attorney Attorney
Crystal Aroche from the law offices of Milber, Makris, Plousiadis & Seiden, LLP about
her career and how the young women could make an impact by pursuing a career
in law.