Four inspiring high school students were recognized at the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLCP) Law Academy Symposium on September 21st for their academic achievements in government and law. Held at UC Law San Francisco, the honorees received the prestigious Ruthe Catolico Ashely Scholarship award from among dozens of nominees. Each winner was presented with a $1,000 scholarship and plans to pursue a career in law.
The Collaborative is housed within the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the non-profit arm of the California Lawyers Association, to bring practical civics engagement education to high school students who have a passion for going to law school and becoming an attorney. Educators, administrators, advisory boards, and volunteers were invited to participate in the symposium, founded by CLCP Chair Ruthe Catolico Ashley. The vision of this program is a “legal profession that reflects the rich diversity of California’s population” through a three-year law curriculum in 22 public high schools throughout the state. Students learn about the branches of government, constitutional law, and meet with judges, attorneys, and legal professionals in an encouraging environment.
“Our academies offer an important opportunity for young people to consider a career in the law. Many would not have access to these resources otherwise,” explains Ashley.
This year’s award recipients were: Angellina Querol, Jesse Bethel Law Academy and UC Santa Barbara; Alison Hwang, El Dorado High School Law Academy; Pedro Ruiz, Richmond High School Law Academy; and, Princess Leon, Roosevelt High Law and Justice Academy.
“It was a difficult decision,” said Ashley. “All of the nominees demonstrated impressive work both inside and outside the classroom. They undoubtedly will all make meaningful contributions to their communities as they grow in their studies.”
The 2024 Law Academy Symposium featured distinguished speakers Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, California Supreme Court and Anna Mercado Clark, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The daylong event included numerous seminars for teachers, nonprofit boards, and others working in educational settings.
“California Lawyers Foundation is privileged to support the Collaborative and its goals,” says CLF President Jeremy M. Evans. “We are committed to propelling civics and legal education forward by providing pathways to students through practical real-life examples and opportunities.”
Congratulations to the four winners. They stand out as reminders of the need to make positive investments through a collaborate approach for the future of the justice system.