Three Charles County Circuit Court judges visited Eva Turner Elementary School in Waldorf on October 1, 2025, to engage third-grade students in the Reading & Robes program, an initiative fostering literacy and civic education. Judge H. Jay West, the court’s administrative judge, alongside associate judges Donine Carrington-Martin and Monise A. Stephenson, read to students and discussed the judicial system’s role in their lives. The event, held at the school on Marshall Road, aimed to inspire a love for reading while introducing young learners to the judiciary’s function in their community.
The judges read Jade the Judge by Shequitta Kelly Joubert to three third-grade classes, a story about an 8-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a judge. Students Charleigh Matthews, Liam McKay, and Amari Cary introduced the judges in their respective classrooms, setting the stage for interactive sessions. “The neighborhood I grew up in is next door,” West told Taliah Lawson’s class. “I am very humbled to read to you all today.” The judges used the book to spark discussions about fairness, problem-solving, and the importance of listening, core skills in both literacy and judicial work.
West explained the role of a circuit court judge, saying, “A judge is someone who helps individuals with legal problems to give them a legal solution by listening.” Stephenson elaborated, noting how judges assist families during divorces: “We help them figure out what will happen with their house, retirement money, and most importantly, the children.” Carrington-Martin shared personal insights, telling students, “I like to spend time with my children and husband. I like to read and go on vacation with my friends in the summertime.” These anecdotes made the judges relatable, bridging the gap between the courtroom and the classroom.
The event was organized by James Blakeney, Eva Turner’s Community School coordinator, who connected with Stephenson at a Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) community resource event in 2024. “The Reading & Robes program promotes and reinforces that reading is valuable and fun,” Blakeney said. “The judges helped build motivation and positive attitudes toward reading, which is key to literacy success.” The program, an initiative of the National Judicial College, is supported in Maryland by a grant from the Maryland Bar Foundation, the American Bar Association Education Fund, and other partners.
The visit left a lasting impression. West highlighted the students’ enthusiasm, saying, “There are very few places that you’ll find such enthusiasm.” Carrington-Martin added, “We see the worst of the worst in our field, and in school, the students are happy. It is fuel to keep going.” The judges encouraged students to value their uniqueness, with West reminding them they are “unique, awesome, and worthy of respect.” This message resonated in a school where CCPS data shows 68% of third-graders met reading proficiency standards in 2024, underscoring the need for programs like Reading & Robes to boost literacy.
Reading & Robes aligns with CCPS’s mission to enhance literacy and community ties. Eva Turner, serving 450 students in grades pre-K to 5, has hosted similar initiatives, including book fairs and author visits, to promote reading. The program’s civic focus also complements Maryland’s social studies standards, which introduce third-graders to government roles. By meeting judges, students saw real-world applications of fairness and decision-making, concepts central to the curriculum. Blakeney plans to expand such events, leveraging partnerships with local organizations like the Charles County Bar Association.
The judges’ visit highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to community outreach. In Charles County, where the court processes over 5,000 cases annually, judges often participate in educational programs to demystify the legal system. Reading & Robes, launched nationally in 2018, has reached thousands of students, with Maryland’s program growing through local bar support. The initiative encourages judges to visit schools in their robes, symbolizing authority while making the role accessible. For Eva Turner students, the event was a chance to see judges as community members, not just distant figures in a courthouse.
As Charles County grows, with new housing developments in Waldorf and La Plata, programs like Reading & Robes strengthen community bonds. The judges’ personal stories—West’s local roots, Stephenson’s civic passion, and Carrington-Martin’s family life—showed students that judges are part of their world. The event’s success has sparked interest in future visits, with Blakeney coordinating with CCPS to bring similar programs to other schools, such as Malcolm Elementary or J.C. Parks Elementary, to continue fostering literacy and civic pride.
