Sandra Day O’Connor award presented by Chief Justice Heavican to Nebraska State Bar Foundation Executive Director Doris Huffman at Conference of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators

The Nebraska State Bar Foundation was recently honored with the prestigious Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education, recognizing its exceptional contributions to educating the public about the legal system. Chief Justice Mike Heavican delivered remarks celebrating the Foundation's efforts and the leadership of its executive director, Doris Huffman.

In his speech, Chief Justice Heavican highlighted the Foundation's commitment to civics education, which reaches a broad audience across Nebraska, including lawyers, judges, the media, students and the general public. He praised the foundation’s flagship program, the mock trial competition for high school students, which is a highly respected statewide initiative. The program, which involves judges serving as coaches and evaluators, prepares students for the national championship and fosters critical thinking skills.

The Chief Justice also noted the Foundation's other educational efforts, such as the "Age of Majority" booklet, which educates young adults about their responsibilities as citizens, and the support provided for the Nebraska Supreme Court’s outreach to high schools. He commended the Foundation for its job shadowing program for fifth graders and its "We the People" program, which teaches high school students about the Constitution. Additionally, the Foundation produced the juror orientation video, which is an educational resource that is used in courts statewide.

A key initiative mentioned was the Bench Media Committee, established in collaboration with the Foundation and chaired by Chief Justice Heavican. The committee aims to bridge the gap between the courts and the media by educating journalists about the legal system and enhancing communication between the judiciary and news reporters.

Following the Chief Justice's remarks, Doris Huffman expressed her gratitude for the award and the support from the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and its board of directors. She reflected on the importance of civics education and the Foundation's longstanding partnership with the judiciary, particularly in advancing programs like mock trial and the Bench Media Committee. Huffman acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have made these initiatives successful, including the involvement of state and federal judges, attorneys, and media representatives.

Huffman concluded by emphasizing the significance of the ongoing partnership between the Bar Foundation and the courts in promoting justice and civics education across Nebraska, expressing her appreciation for the recognition and the Chief Justice’s unwavering support.