Judge Rick Schreiner, Gage County District Court, and Judge Randin Roland, Cheyenne County Court, were presented with the Supreme Court’s highest honor on October 12, 2022, during the annual judges’ conference.

Justice William Cassel presented the ‘Improvement of the Judicial System Award’ to Roland and the ‘Service to the Community Award’ to Schreiner on behalf of the Chief Justice. The awards, given annually, recognizes members of the judiciary for meritorious projects and exemplary accomplishments beyond their day-to-day duties as a judge.

Service to the Community

Schreiner is honored for his efforts to promote and improve the Nebraska judicial system and the public’s perception of the system.

In June, the State Bar Foundation’s Bench-Media Committee and the Judicial Branch Communications Division released a video of Schreiner where he discusses the responsibilities and limitations of a judge. Schreiner’s message regarding ensuring the judicial system's integrity applies to a broad audience, ranging from students to journalists to professors.  The message is shared at judicial meetings, posted on the Judicial Branch Website, and promoted through social media. He has engaged in media-related projects, including rule review and education of attorneys about news cameras in the courtroom.

In addition to the video, Schreiner has also demonstrated service to the community by representing district judges statewide during the first Trial Court Week proclamation signing ceremony highlighting the critical role of trial court judges, court clerks, and court staff.  He also chairs the Nebraska District Court Judges Association Bench Book Committee; serves on the Bench Media Committee, the Expanded Media Rules Committee, and the Probation Services Committee.

Schreiner began his judicial career in 2016 as Gage County District Court Judge, 1st Judicial District.

Turning to the room full of judges to give his acceptance remarks, Schreiner noted, “I just show up every morning and try --  the same as all of you.  I appreciate you allowing me to serve and be of service.”

Service to the Judiciary

Roland is recognized for promoting judicial efficiency through expanding courtroom technology beginning with the 2020 pandemic. He worked closely with the county officials, court staff, attorneys, and court users to ensure access to the courts didn’t falter during periods of social distancing.

Recognizing the multiple benefits of court technology, Roland quickly realized that the successful use of technology created significant financial savings for the county, attorneys, and litigants when they were not required to travel or miss work to attend court. Roland continued his use of technology after distancing restrictions were lifted in order to maintain the savings. His forethought into the benefits of technology in expanding access to the courts resulted in him being asked to speak at the national 2022 Trial Court Leadership Academy and Conference.

In addition to his commitment to the expanded use of technology in the courtroom, Roland has also contributed to the improvement of the judicial system through his service as lead judge to the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative in the 12th Judicial District; participation in the Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts, State Bar Foundation’s Bench-Media Committee, and the Dispute Resolution Advisory Council; and Nebraska County Judges Association.

Roland began his judicial career on the Cheyenne County Court bench in the 12th Judicial District in 2006.

Roland dedicated his award to the memory of his late Clerk Magistrate and friend, Lori Bartling, who passed away in January this year. He continued by thanking several judges who have served as his inspiration throughout his legal career. He also thanked the Cheyenne County Commissioners, who believed in the benefits of technology and funded the court’s investment in equipment.

In bringing the awards presentation to a close, Cassel extended his gratitude to both judges saying, “We extend our thanks and recognition to Judge Schreiner and Judge Roland. They are worthy of our recognition, and we thank them for their dedication.