Submitted photo Christina Zastrow is pictured at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse in Buffalo during a mock argument competition. The Dunkirk senior took second place in the competition organized by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

A senior enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at the LoGuidice Educational Center took second place in a mock argument competition hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

Christina Zastrow of the Dunkirk City School District was among seven students from three schools to compete at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse in Buffalo. She was joined in the mock argument by two other Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES students from LoGuidice, Julian Rivera of Lake Shore and Natalia Elliott of Gowanda; all three previously took part in an essay contest by the court to mark its 125th anniversary.

Criminal Justice instructor Jennie Alessi brought her class to the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse to support the three students competing. District Superintendent David O’Rourke and LoGuidice Principal Joe Pagan also attended the event.

During the mock argument, each student presented their case in a round lasting about five minutes before three federal judges. The Honorable Elizabeth A. Wolford, Chief U.S. District Judge, presided over the competition, accompanied by the Honorable Meredith A. Vacca, U.S. District Judge, and the Honorable Mark W. Pedersen, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Students focused on a school policy while considering the implications of the First Amendment. Zastrow, Rivera, and Elliott specifically chose to argue the school dress code in relation to freedom of speech and expression.

Each student was allotted five minutes for their presentation, during which the judges posed questions to challenge their arguments.

Students were encouraged to address several thought-provoking points, including: effects their position might have on students and the school; benefits of consistently enforcing a school policy; and potential negatives.

After the competition concluded, the judges took a moment to congratulate all participants.

While only first and second place were recognized, Zastrow proudly secured second place. Additionally, all seven participants, along with their teachers, received invitations to the annual WNY District Court dinner on May 7. The guest of honor for the evening will be U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who will also extend his congratulations to the participants.

“This event represents a remarkable opportunity for our students,” Alessi said.

Wolford said she was excited to welcome Pagan, Alessi, and the students from the Criminal Justice program at LoGuidice to cheer on their classmates.

“Building off their insightful and well-written essay submissions, each student skillfully argued their position before a three-judge panel,” Wolford said. “Their terrific performances in both the 125th Anniversary Essay Contest and Mock Argument Competition required a significant amount of diligence and skill, and reflects the strength of the BOCES Criminal Justice Program. The BOCES community should be proud of these exceptional students.”