17th Circuit Judges Help Students Prepare for School Year

Judges from Winnebago County and Boone County participated in a statewide initiative sponsored by the Illinois Conference of Chief Judges and the Illinois Judges Association to help local schools, students and community organizations prepare for success in the 2022-23 school year by collecting school supplies for the Boys and Girls Club of Fairgrounds.

Chief Judge John S. Lowry and Associate Judge Erin B. Buhl presented the donated items to the Boys and Girls Club of Fairgrounds and were able to tour the facility on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.  “It was an honor to donate backpacks and other needed school supplies on behalf of the 17th Circuit Judges,” said Judge Buhl.  “I am hopeful that our efforts will help these students get off to a great start for the upcoming school year.”

“The Illinois Judges Association and the Conference of Chief Judges are proud of the active judges in this state and their commitment to their communities,” said IJA President Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke. “We see firsthand what happens with students who are not supported in their schools. The approximately 1250 active and retired members of the Illinois Judges Association already provide many in-schools programs from reading to students through civics education. It was a logical extension to join with the Chief Judges for the entire state to help provide needed supplies for the school year.”

“The Conference of Chief Judges meets regularly to discuss policies and needs for the entire state,” said Chief Judge David Vancil, who is the Chair of the Conference of Chief Judges. “This collaboration with the Illinois Judges Association allowed our circuits to coordinate help many were already providing and to help the public know their local judges are truly here to help.”

For more information about this this event, please contact Trial Court Administrator Thomas Jakeway at the contact information above.  Additional information about the Illinois Judges Association is available at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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