The State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the State Department of Education co-sponsored the 2015 CT Kids’ Court Essay Competition and Kids Speak. The Kids’ Court Competition provides Jr. High and High School students with an opportunity to research a specific civil or human rights issue and advocate a position, initially in an essay and then, if selected, orally before a panel of judges.

Kids Speak , which is the kickoff to the Kids’ Court Essay Competition, is a half-day program at UConn law school consisting of interactive exercises, peer debate, improvisations, interactive panel discussion and peer dialogue aimed at raising student’s consciousness about civil and human rights issues and reducing bullying and prejudice.

Barbara S. Niziolek supervised 15 Windsor Locks high school through the process of the groundbreaking event. Students Desmond Egyin, Alvin Kahoxayo, and Kaya Walker placed in the semifinals and presented their essays on the topics of individuals with disabilities, impact of music on how women are viewed, and how social media impacts society before a panel of 8 judges. Kaya placed 2nd, Desmond placed 3rd, and Alvin was a runner up.  The students represented their families and Windsor Locks with pride and did an outstanding job. The group plans on attending again next year to continue their important work of learning about and making social changes in their community and beyond.   Barbara S. Niziolek