CBA Celebrates Law Day 2026

(From L to R) Monaco Award Winners Iryna Vasylkiv, Zander Bauer, and Elijah Falkenstein; Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas; and Monaco Award Winners Meredith Sullivan, Faustine Canales Arrieta, and Mariz Gollayan

The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Civics Education Committee held its annual Law Day Ceremony at the Connecticut Appellate Court on May 7. Law Day is a national celebration held annually to recognize the importance of the rule of law and to encourage a deeper understanding of the legal profession and civic engagement. This year’s Law Day theme, selected by the American Bar Association, was “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

Connecticut Appellate Court Judge Bethany J. Alvord welcomed attendees to the event and opened the ceremony before CBA President Emily A. Gianquinto delivered remarks reflecting on the significance of Law Day and this year’s theme. President Gianquinto stated, “The rule of law means that everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, must be treated fairly under the same laws. The American Dream is the idea that anyone can build a good life in America through hard work, no matter who they are and no matter where they came from. So those two ideas are closely connected. Without the rule of law, the American dream is not possible for everyone.” Following President Gianquinto’s remarks, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas also greeted the attendees and emphasized the importance of maintaining civic engagement beyond election day.

During the event, the annual Ralph J. Monaco Memorial Civics Education Awards were presented by Dina Monaco to Connecticut high school students who demonstrated a significant commitment to advancing civic engagement, civics education, and the rule of law. The awards were established in memory of past CBA President Ralph J. Monaco, whose leadership and dedication to civics education left a lasting impact on Connecticut’s legal community.

This year’s Ralph J. Monaco Memorial Civics Education Award recipients included:

• Zander Bauer, Staples High School
• Faustine Canales Arrieta, Norwich Free Academy
• Elijah Falkenstein, Staples High School
• Mariz Gollayan, Nathan Hale-Ray High School
• Meredith Sullivan, Wilton High School
• Iryna Vasylkiv, Classical Magnet School

Following the presentation of the awards, John R. Weikart, chair of the CBA Civics Education Committee, introduced the student program portion of the event, which consisted of middle school and high school students from Hartford Classical Magnet School presenting to the Appellate Court judges on concepts related to the idea of the American dream.

This year’s event was also dedicated to the memory of retired Superior Court Judge John D. Boland, who passed away in October 2025. Judge Boland is remembered for his deep commitment to civics education, the rule of law, and public service, as well as for the important role he played in the success of previous Law Day programs.

Thank you to all of the students, teachers, volunteers, judges, attorneys, and community members who participated in this year’s Law Day celebration and congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Ralph J. Monaco Memorial Civics Education Awards.

View Photos from the Event