“The Oscars comes to the Bar Stools,” commented Best of the Bar Stools Committee Chair, Attorney Suzanne H. Griest. “What a great night of fun, food, and glamour. Seeing clips of all the old shows was a wonderful reminder of the camaraderie this event promotes in the Bar.”

The event successfully raised over $6,000 to support the charitable initiatives of the York County Bar Foundation. These funds will aid in providing legal services to indigent people and assisting individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system to independence, ultimately saving lives and benefiting the community.

The awards event was made possible through the support and collaboration of our sponsors, CGA Law Firm, MPL Law Firm, Barley Snyder, KBG Injury Law, PNC, and Stock and Leader.

Digital copies of the awards event are available for $25 each at the Bar Center, located at 137 East Market Street, York, PA 17401. To arrange pick-up, please contact Ashley.leary@yorkbar.com.

Click to view photo gallery.

The winners are:

Best Costume Malfunction - Richard Konkel, Lederhosen worn with the fly down, We Will Sue You (2005)

Biggest Ham - Tom Kearney, "If I Were a D.A.," Behind the Courthouse Doors (1999)

Biggest Ham Runner Up - Ben Hooper, "The Law Doctor," Snow White & the Seven Associates (2017)

Best Villain - Suzanne Griest, Judge DeVille, The Supremes (2019)

Best Heroine/Hero - Brooke Say, Dorothy, The Wizard of Law (2009)

Best Impersonation of a Judge - Barbara Sardella, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The Supremes (2019)

Best Impersonation of a Public Figure - Zach Nahass, Governor Tom Wolf, Back to the Future (2022) 

Best Male Ensemble - "The Longest Time," Tim Barker, Zach Nahass, Derek Young, Douglas Kozak, and Ron Perry, The Supremes (2019)

Best Female Ensemble - "York County Queen," Suzanne Griest, Andrea Anderson, Kristina Bange, and Dawn Cutaia, We Will Sue You (2005)

Best Costume - Glenn Smith, Magic Mirror, Snow White and the Seven Associates (2017)

Best Duo - "The Internet is for Porn," Andrea Fitzsimmons and John Mitton, The Supremes (2019)

Best Dance Number - "Nowadays," Diana D'Auria and Leigh Dalton, Law Misérables (2015)

Best Diva - Ann Marie McElwee, Judge Judy, The Lullaby of Lawyers (2007)

Best Musician - Carol Heagy

Best Stage Manager - Margo Murray

Best Narrator - Craig Milsten

E.G.O.T.S. (EGO Talentless Stool) - Dan Fennick

Lifetime Achievement - Tom O'Shea

Perfect Attendance - Jeff Bitzer, Maria Musti Cook, Dan Fennick, Suzanne Griest, Tom Kearney III, Tom O'Shea, and Ron Perry

Best Male Soloist - Ron Perry, "American Pie," Behind the Courthouse Doors (1999) and Back to the Future (2022)

Best Female Soloist - Sarah Speed, "This Is My Fight Song," Snow White & the Seven Associates (2017)

People's Choice Award - "The Longest Time," Derek Young, Tim Barker, Ron Perry, and Tom Meister, Bar Stools “The Errors Tour” (2024)

Highlights of the event included featured speaker Dickinson College’s 30th President, Judge John E. Jones lll (left) who is a former chief judge of the United States Middle District Court of Pennsylvania, the presentation of the Liberty Bell Award, announcement of the winners of the essay and billboard design contests, and presentation of awards to the Mock Trial first and second place teams. The luncheon and programs were organized by a committee of the York County Bar Foundation, Co-Chaired by Attorney’s Jennifer A. Galloway and Kanika D. Henderson.

President Judge Maria Musti Cook (middle right) Co-Chair of the Liberty Bell Award Selection Committee with prior recipient Rev. Aaron Anderson (right) presented the 2024 Liberty Bell Award to Pastor Bill Kerney (middle left), President of the Black Ministers Association of York County, for his work in helping launch the Chiefs & Clergy Partnership in 2016, serving faithfully on the Board of the York County Safety Collab, and building bridges between communities of color and law enforcement. This award honors a non-attorney volunteer in the York community who has encouraged others to respect the laws and legal system, to learn more about and take an active role in the American justice system, and to take pride in our nation’s system of freedom for all under the law. View list of prior honorees here. 

Attorney Andrea Fitzsimmons recognized York County’s two top Mock Trial Teams, First Place, Spring Grove Area High School (Team 1): Kaitlyn Edwards, Ava German, Hadley Lamb, John Reilly, Mallory Snyder, Charles Stewart, Kathryn Wyrick, Teacher Coach Jason Baker, and Attorney Coach Jack L. Graybill ll

Second Place: Northern York County High School: Lisa Alizada, Ewan Clark, Joe Coyne, Abby Freese, Hannah Freese, Anna Hondorf, Stanley Kocon, Hannah Lusk, Colin Snyder, Betiel Tekeste, Savannah Thomson, Caden Williamson, Teacher Coach David Ramsey, and Attorney Coach Heidi R. Freese

Attorneys Jennifer Galloway and Suzanne Griest made presentations to the winners of the Billboard Contest (Grades 6-8) and Essay Contest for York County High School students. The premise for the Billboard Contest is to depict the Law Day theme through art with the winning design made into a billboard. Nearly 100 designs were submitted.

Billboard Contest Award Recipients: 

1st Place Elliott Koller, Dallastown Middle School, GR 8

2nd Place Piper Klinedinst, Dallastown Middle School, GR 8

3rd Place Emma Brown, Dallastown Middle School, GR 8

The Essay Contest encourages young people to give thought to current social and legal issues and to express their views on the issues. Essay topics included:

1. The Constitution divides the Government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial to establish a balance of powers. Do you believe the balance of powers exists today? Explain and give examples to support your view.
2. Why is civic participation by citizens important in a constitutional democracy? Evaluate how being actively engaged in the political process helps preserve and influence our system of constitutional government.
3. Which has been most influential in shaping democracy throughout history: social groups, institutions, or individual leaders? Make an argument for which you believe has had the biggest impact on expanding civic participation, incorporating diverse voices, and preserving democracy via individual or collective behaviors.
4. A partisan gerrymander is a district map—for Congress, or for a state legislature, county commission, and the like—that is intentionally designed to enhance the power of one political party at the expense of the other, regardless of how the people of the jurisdiction may choose to vote in a given election. Democracy is about every voice contributing. How can we combat gerrymandering to ensure a fair election?

Essay Contest Award Recipients: 

1st Place Evan Zumbrum, Spring Grove Area High School, GR 12

2nd Place Elijah James Clark, Northern York County High School, GR 12

3rd Place Madison Pisarski, York Susquehannock High School, GR 12

 A partisan gerrymander is a district map – for congress, or for a state legislature, county commission, and the like – that is intentionally designed to enhance the power of one political party at the expense of the other, regardless of how the people of the jurisdiction may choose to vote in a given election. Democracy is about every voice contributing. How can we combat gerrymandering to ensure a fair election?

By Evan Zumbrum, Grade 12, Spring Grove Area High School
When an election becomes a game of tactical map drawing rather than a fair vote, the citizens of the nation must become concerned for the future of the democracy in their country. This sort of conspiracy is not only happening in the world today, it is happening in the United States of America, a nation that has prided itself on being a land where its citizens have a say in how their country is run. No matter what side of the political aisle someone is, no one can say that it is morally right to alter district territory in an attempt to discount the value of one’s vote. Are the elections that you are taking part in already decided? Have citizens been grouped and separated by political ideologies, strategically placed into the same district to ensure the results of an election turn out the way that the designer had planned? Gerrymandering must be combated, and it can be by regulating the configuration of districts in every state, across the country.

Both prominent political parties have been accused of gerrymandering district maps of their state, more than once, those accusations were taken to the United States Supreme Court. But the Court has found that its hands are tied when it comes to the issue of gerrymandering. In 2019, the United States Supreme Court decided in Rucho v. Common Cause that it did not have the ability to rule whether or not a state drew its districts to unlawfully favor one political ideology over another, due to the fact that there is no concrete standard by which to evaluate the district maps created by each state. If there is no precise standard, a standard must be established.

This “rubric” for redrawing the district map must be detailed and specific, giving the court system a definitive way to decide when a map has been gerrymandered. One potential way to do this is to find the geographical center of every state and, using a computer program, include the closest ideal number of people to that center, in that first district. Then, starting at the 12 o’clock position, make each new district out of the closest ideal number of people in each direction, working in a clockwise manner. This is just one way to modulate the redrawing of districts in each state, and give the judicial system a definitive way to search for unlawful redrawing of districts in each state, and give the judicial system a definitive way to search for unlawful redrawing of districts.

To conclude, the justice system can only combat gerrymandering if a standard for redrawing districts is created. If all parties would focus on creating a precise standard by which to redraw district maps rather than treating the issue as an afterthought, prioritizing other (more disputed) topics, then this country could end unlawful redistricting and promote fair elections. The citizens of every state deserve to have an equal voice in how their nation is run, and gerrymandering is not only a threat to honest elections, it is also a weapon that is used against the value of every vote.

“This is so amazing,” commented filmmaker Shuja Moore. Thank you to the ABA, what an honor. I'm still reeling from it all.”

Additionally, Shuja is amassing accolades for his work in Pennsylvania and across the country. He received the IndieFEST Award of Excellence, is a Finalist at the NEPA Film Festival, and a winner of the 2024 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Award. His work is also being screened at the Justice on Trial Film Festival next month in Los Angeles where he had to file an appeal in order to attend.

The Pardon Project of York County (PPYC), in collaboration with its community partners held a special screening of the documentary film PARDON ME on October 4, 2023, at the Capitol Theatre with a panel discussion moderated by York County District Attorney David Sunday featuring panelists Shuja Moore, filmmaker, The Honorable William R. Carpenter, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, pardon recipients David Bryant, Laurie Besden, Esq., C. Reginald “Reggie” Johnson, Esq and pardon fellow DaShawn Harrison.

Directed and produced by Shuja Moore, the documentary PARDON ME sheds light on the transformative power of pardons, not only providing individuals with the chance to lead fulfilling lives but also positively impacting lower-income communities. The film narrates the compelling stories of two individuals navigating the pardon process in Pennsylvania, with one of them having already received a pardon. It also includes insightful interviews with thought leaders such as Jeff Hornstein, head of The Economy League, and Brandon Flood, former Secretary of the PA Board of Pardons.

The screening was made possible through the support and collaboration of our sponsors including the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York County Bar Foundation, The Powder Mill Foundation, Impact Academy, Fresh Start Law, the Office of the District Attorney of York County and York County Community Foundation; and community partners: The Pardon Project of York County, the York County Bar Association and Bar Foundation, The Program, “It’s About Change”,  the York County Clerk of Courts, the York County Economic Alliance, and the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

The Pardon Project of York County was established in 2022 through the guidance of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, uniting various government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders committed to providing enhanced access and information about pardons to York County residents. A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. PPYC County was created to help individuals with a criminal record in our community move forward with their lives. To learn more about PPYC, applying for a pardon, or to volunteer as a Pardon Coach, visit theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons.

Shuja Moore, "remodeled citizen" and the filmmaker behind PARDON ME, is most known for his web series Walkies—a docuseries that highlights the transformation stories of formerly incarcerated individuals. Through filmmaking and his nonprofit organization Do Moore Good, Shuja aims to promote the narrative of justice in media and inspire community rebuilding. As a result of the screening, the York County Bar Foundation provided a grant of $7,000 to Do Moore Good to support this initiative.

The ABA Gavel Awards Screening Committee of 50 professionals with wide ranges of legal and media expertise, including lawyer-members of the ABA, selected the 29 finalists from 176 entries received in all eligible categories, which include books, commentaries, documentaries, drama and literature, magazines, multimedia, newspapers, radio, and television.

Selection criteria include how the entry addresses the Silver Gavel Awards’ purpose and objectives; educational value of legal information; impact on, or outreach to, the public; thoroughness and accuracy in presentation of issues; creativity and originality in approach to subject matter and effectiveness of presentation; and demonstrated technical skill in the entry’s production.

The ABA has presented these awards each year since 1958. The 16-member ABA Standing Committee on Gavel Awards makes the final award decisions. ABA President Mary Smith will present Silver Gavels and Honorable Mentions on August 3 at 3 p.m. at the ABA Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

To learn more about the Silver Gavel Awards, go to Silver Gavel (americanbar.org).

Pictured: Bailey Miller, Jacob Brenner, Volunteers from Crispus Attucks, Frank Countess, Esq

In 1872, Lebanon Cemetery was established as the first burial ground dedicated to providing Black residents of York County with a dignified final resting place. It currently stands as the oldest and one of the largest active African American cemeteries in York County. Until about the 1960s, York County practiced segregated burial practices. Prior to Lebanon Cemetery’s existence, people of color and indigent residents were often buried in the overcrowded Potter’s Field, where William Penn High School stands today. The land for Lebanon Cemetery, which was then far outside of town, was gifted in 1872 and graves from Potter’s Field were subsequently relocated.

The preservation of this historic cemetery is crucial to both our community and within the broader context of Black history. Over the years, the cemetery struggled to maintain the grounds and faced legal issues as it had never been appropriately registered as a cemetery with the PA Department of State nor paid taxes via its nonprofit association status. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Jeff Kirkland, Lebanon Cemetery Past President, Samantha Dorm, Lebanon Cemetery President, Tina Charles and Jenny DeJesus Marshall, Friends of Lebanon Cemetery leadership, Frank Countess, Pro Bono Solicitor, among others, restoration and legal organization of the cemetery have made significant strides. Samantha, Tina, and Jenny will be honored at the 2024 Four Chaplains Breakfast for their contributions to the restoration of Lebanon Cemetery and preservation of the stories of those laid to rest.

In January, Attorney Frank Countess of CGA Law Firm received the PBA Pro Bono Award for his efforts in pro bono service to and preservation of Lebanon Cemetery. Frank has served as the Pro Bono Solicitor for the Board of Directors for 5 years and volunteers personal time towards the preservation of the property. Frank shared further insight into the cemetery's significance, the legal challenges, and his pro bono efforts. 

How did you first become involved with Lebanon Cemetery?

I was first contacted by Jeff Kirkland about 5 years ago. Jeff is a great local African American historian and was the Chair of the Board of Directors for the cemetery. When he asked if I could help, how could I say no?

Can you explain the legal challenges that Lebanon Cemetery faced?

In its entire history, the cemetery had never filed a tax return. For decades, there had not been a full complement on the Board of Directors. The cemetery was operating under 4 different variations of the name. The bank records were tied to a deceased individual and address who passed away 10-15 years ago. There were no state filings whatsoever, and we were in violation of probably half a dozen different federal and state regulations. We were selling lots but were not a licensed cemetery with the PA Real Estate Commission. It was the ultimate law school final exam question as it included everything but the kitchen sink. After 32-years as a lawyer, I felt like I was the right guy for the case, especially being a real estate broker as well. We had 160-years worth of catchup to do.

What is the status of the cemetery now?

In 2019, restoration work began in the cemetery. Due to erosion, parts of the cemetery are in danger of falling into a parking lot, gravestones have been covered by ground and debris, bricks that were originally used as grave markers have been eroded, and there is not an accurate burial map. Once our board, corporate records, tax returns and filings with the state are up to date, the next step is a capital campaign to bring in a company that can do ground penetrating radar to update burial records. Over the past five years, we have raised money and accomplished a lot of good things but most importantly, the awareness in the community is increasing.

My favorite project was the cleanup of the big pile of rubbish. North York Borough contacted the cemetery because neighbors were complaining about an enormous 50-year pile of rubbish behind their buildings. Attorney Walt Tilley contacts me, hoping not to fine the cemetery, but instead requesting a letter be sent within 30-days with a plan to clean up the trash. I thought we could do even better than that and remove everything within 30 days. So, I contributed a pickup truck and the labor of two kids from York Suburban, and with volunteers from Crispus Attucks, we cleared the pile. It’s about civility. With a fine, the only thing that would have happened is that the cemetery would have less money.

Why do you believe it's important for our community to preserve Lebanon Cemetery?

For several reasons—history, genealogy, and military records. There are many people who passed away long before 1872 buried in the cemetery. You’ll see there are veterans going back to the War of 1812. Additionally, while most of the churches in York had their own cemeteries, Black churches did not and would bury everyone here. So, it’s really significant for religious reasons as well. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement with Lebanon Cemetery?

The historical knowledge that I’ve attained just from being part of it and hearing all the stories of those interred at Lebanon Cemetery. The second thing would be the cleanup with the boys. It was literally the hottest two weeks of the summer; the heat index was at least 100 for 10 of those 14 days. We filled twenty-one truckloads and over 7,000lbs of debris. It was brutal.

Are here opportunities for others to get involved?

Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has a website with endless volunteer opportunities: cemetery maintenance and repairing headstones, they have an extensive volunteer effort calendar. Financial contributions would be helpful just to keep the operations going. Learn more about Lebanon

Light refreshments will be available prior to the film. This event is free, but attendees must register in advance at https://yorkpabar.ticketleap.com/pardonmeyork/. Tickets will be required for admission to the theatre.

Directed and produced by Shuja Moore, the documentary PARDON ME sheds light on the transformative power of pardons, not only providing individuals with the chance to lead fulfilling lives but also positively impacting lower-income communities. The film narrates the compelling stories of two individuals navigating the pardon process in Pennsylvania, with one of them having already received a pardon. It also includes insightful interviews with thought leaders such as Jeff Hornstein, head of The Economy League, and Brandon Flood, former Secretary of the PA Board of Pardons.

Shuja Moore, "remodeled citizen" and the filmmaker behind PARDON ME, is most known for his web series Walkies—a docuseries that highlights the transformation stories of formerly incarcerated individuals. Through filmmaking and his nonprofit organization Do Moore Good, Shuja aims to promote the narrative of justice in media and inspire community rebuilding.

This invaluable opportunity has been made possible through the support and collaboration of our sponsors the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York County Bar Foundation, The Powder Mill Foundation, Impact Academy, Fresh Start Law, the Office of the District Attorney of York County and York County Community Foundation; and community partners: The Pardon Project of York County, the York County Bar Association and Bar Foundation, The Program, “It’s About Change”, the York County Clerk of Courts, the York County Economic Alliance, and the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

The Pardon Project of York County was established in 2022 through the guidance of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, uniting various government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders committed to providing enhanced access and information about pardons to York County residents. A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. PPYC County was created to help individuals with a criminal record in our community move forward with their lives. To learn more about PPYC, applying for a pardon, or to volunteer as a Pardon Coach, visit theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons.

Lawyers will be on site at this free clinic to answer questions and discuss if an expungement, sealing of the record or a pardon is an option.

Registration is required. Contact Janelle.Black@yorkbar.com or call (717) 854-8755 x 204 to register. Eligibility requirements are as follows: 1) Arrests/charges in York County only. 2) Must reside in York County. 3) No current criminal charges. 4) Not currently on probation or parole. 5) All applicants must be prepared to discuss any outstanding costs, fines, and restitution.

The Pardon Project is a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE). Director Tobey Oxholm, Esq., has been instrumental in organizing many local pardon projects including that of York County. According to Oxholm, “Pardons are an amazing opportunity that almost no one knows about. A pardon from the Governor is the only way to get a conviction off your record, and today in Pennsylvania, more than two-thirds of the people applying are actually receiving a pardon. The Pardon Project is about neighbors helping neighbors apply. Pardon projects are community-based efforts that connect individuals whose criminal records are preventing them from securing employment, safe and affordable housing, and other opportunities, with people, pardon coaches, who have been trained in how to help.” See more at www.PardonMePA.org.

The York County Pardon Project was launched, and the first clinic was held in the fall of 2022. Partners include The Program, It’s About Change, the York County District Attorney’s Office, York County Clerk of Courts, York County Bar Association and York County Bar Foundation, MidPenn Legal Services, and others.

Led by Pardon Fellow DaShawn Harrison of The Program, It’s About Change with support from the York County Bar, to date 30 pardon coaches have been trained and 60 individuals have sought assistance. 28 have qualified and 16 have been successfully placed with a pardon coach. The remaining individuals were provided with other resources such as a referral, are working with another pardon project, have opted out or were ineligible.  DaShawn noted, “Doing this work means a lot to me personally. I had 5 felonies and served 8 years and 7 months in state prison for drug-related crimes. Since I have been out, my life has been affected in every way possible by having a criminal record. Today, I am a father of four and active in helping youth in our community and have also served as a credible messenger in preventing gun violence. I am proud to be able to help others in this way having been in their shoes.”

For more information about the York County Pardon Project visit https://theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons

In 2007, the York County Bar Association's Diversity Committee (now Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee) encouraged the Bar Foundation to establish the Clarence “Chuck” N. Patterson Diversity Internship Scholarship program and began efforts to raise funds for this purpose. The internship is named after the late Honorable Clarence Nicholas Patterson, Jr., who was a pioneer for diversity and served as York County’s first African-American judge.

The Clarence "Chuck” N. Patterson Diversity Internship Scholarship program provides internship opportunities for eligible minority first or second year, full-time law students. Interns receive $6,000 for a 10-week-long summer internship at the York County Office of the Public Defender.  Since inception, there have been 18 interns, and several have returned to practice law in York County or within the region.

When you give to the York County Bar Foundation during Give Local York, your support will enable two law school students to secure The Honorable Clarence “Chuck” N. Patterson Diversity Internship Scholarships at the Offices of the District Attorney and Public Defender in the future!

Meet the Interns

2022 - Alexyss Coles, a native from Morgantown, WV, studied law at Widener Commonwealth Law School. While attending law school, she was employed part time at Crisp & Associates as well as bartending at a catering company. Alexyss previously interned at Dickie, McCamey, & Chilcote, LLC. while finishing her undergraduate studies at Washington and Jefferson College, from where she obtained a B.A. in Political Science in 2019. She served as the the Chief Justice of Phi Alpha Delta, Secretary of the Black Law Student Association, on the Criminal Law Society Board, and a Student Ambassador. Alexyss has volunteered for the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, and Alex's Lemonade Stand. She interned in the Public Defender's office from May-July 2022.

2022 - Bryan Eras, is a first-generation law student and comes from an Ecuadorian background. He studies law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. He is a native of York, a graduate of Central York School District and of York College of Pennsylvania majoring in Criminal Justice and dual minor in Political Science and Legal Studies. Bryan's motivation to become a lawyer was sparked from participating in the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) and YCBA's Law Mentoring Program (Thank you Attorney Walt Tilley!) early on in his education as well as a desire to help those in his community. He worked in the District Attorney's office from June-August 2022 and is set to intern once again in the Summer of 2023. 

2021 - Zainab "Z" Aliyu, studied law at Penn State University, Dickinson Law. Zainab is a graduate of Air Force Girls Military School, Jos and California State University, San Bernardino. While at Dickinson Law, she was active in multiple student associations and served as the honor code representative for her class. Z interned for the summer in the office of the York County District Attorney. 

2021 - Mohanad "Mo" Elmassalemah, studied law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Born in Syria, he moved to the US when he was 3 and has been a Kingston, NY native since. Mo is a graduate of Kingston High School and a graduate from Siena College with a B.A. in History. While at Widener, Mo was accepted to work at the Clinic which is a work study associated with the school. He has also interned at the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office and for one of the top attorneys in the Ulster district in private practice. In 2021, he interned at the York County Office of the Public Defender.

2020 - Qingcheng (Christine) Han, is originally from China and lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 2013, she graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University with a B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture. After graduation, Christine went to Russia and studied in Derzhavin Tambov State University, where she majored in Theoretical Aspects of History of Russia Literature. At the time of her internship, she was a rising 3L at Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law with full tuition scholarship. She has a great interest in literature, classic music and hiking. Before law school, Christine was a published writer.

2020 - Anthony Ciarlante, studied law at Penn State Dickinson Law. Originally from Chambersburg, PA, he graduated from Shippensburg University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 2018. Tony grew up in a poverty-stricken trailer park, surrounded by crime, mental health problems, and substance abuse. As the only child born to loving but poor parents, he became an Emergency Medical Technician to work himself through college before earning a full-tuition merit scholarship to Penn State Dickinson Law. Inspired by his father’s long-fought but ultimately lost battle to depression, Tony was working towards a career in criminal defense to work with men struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. He volunteers as a mock trial coach at his alma mater and at Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.

2019 - Ashley Jemison, studied law at Widener Commonwealth Law School. During the summer of 2019, Ashley worked at the York County Public Defender's Office. 

2018 - Rocio Alers (L) & Francisco Blondet (R), are both natives of Puerto Pico and studied law at the University of Pittsburgh. They had to flee the effects of the devastating hurricane at home, and the paid internship was extremely helpful in a time of tough transition. Rocio and Francisco are pictured with Lavinia Ghergulescu, 2012 CNP Intern.

2017 - Pilar Diaz, studied law at Duquesne University School of Law and was a Student Member of the Allegheny County Bar Association. At the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office and Duquesne Law Civil Rights Clinic, Pilar had opportunities for significant client contact with low-income clients in need of representation. Many of them were Latino and she was able to put her fluency in Spanish to work. Having always planned to work in the public interest field as such, she also volunteered at Christian Legal Aid during the school year. Pilar greatly values the importance of indigent representation and hoped to be a criminal defense attorney after graduation in 2018. Pilar is a Merit Scholarship and a McGinley Public Service Law Fellowship Recipient. She was also involved in the Public Interest Law Association and is Co-Vice President of the Black Law Student Association.

2016 - Maureen Rostad, was selected as the 2016 Clarence “Chuck” N. Diversity Internship Scholarship recipient. A 3rd year student at Dickinson School of Law, Maureen received her undergraduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University with a major in psychology and minor in criminal justice.

2015 - Anthony Cox, graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He completed law school at Widener University School of Law Harrisburg and worked in the Public Defenders Office during his summer internship. Anthony planned to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney after graduating law school with the goal of become a public defender. He now is an Associate Attorney at Eckert Seamans practicing commercial litigation and professional liability.

2013 - Jane He, pictured left, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Jane said of her 10-week internship at York’s Office of the Public Defender, “I loved it. There’s a strong sense of community here and the Public Defender’s office is a wonderful place to learn. York is a great place, and I’d love to return there.”

2012 - Lavinia Ghergulescu, was born in Romania, and moved with her family to this country when she was nine due to political reasons. She says that, “the law profession is rather uncommon in Romania and I’m the first in the family to go to law school. Coming from an old Communist nation really triggered my interest and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution.” Ghergulescu interned with the York County Public Defenders office in 2012, between her second and third years at Widener University School of Law, an experience she found invaluable. Lavinia now works as an Attorney at the Office of the District Attorney in York. 

2011 - Lily Dideban, studied law at Rutgers Law School and interned at the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center.

2011 - Michael Fallings, studied law at Rutgers Law School and interned in the York County Public Defenders office.

2010 - Corey Scott Smith, originally from York County, interned at the York County Public Defenders office.

2010 - Alvincent Hutson, studied law at Howard University School of Law and interned at the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center during the Summer of 2010. Alvincent current works as Legal Counsel for the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

AliceAnne Frost, CEO
The PROGRAM, "It's About Change"

Collaboration that leverages local resources in novel ways. Concern for community safety and compassion for returning citizens who are committed to positive change. The partnership between The PROGRAM, “It’s About Change” and the York County Bar Association (YCBA) is at the nexus of results measured in productive second chances and an improved community for all. Creative problem-solving that considers possibilities. 

Today, The PROGRAM is the only service provider in York County solely dedicated to providing direct client services to returning citizens, which as made this past year both humbling and inspiring. Amid a widespread public health crisis and deep economic challenges, we navigated ways and means to maintain and expand reentrant services during a pandemic. Bolstered by lessons learned over the 20 years The PROGRAM has been a pillar of reentrant services in Harrisburg, our York footprint since 1979 was solidified by partnerships with community organizations, such as the YCBA.

The results can be measured by an astounding increase in the number of clients The PROGRAM has served in York County — a 271% increase from FY 2019 to 2022, for a total of 281 clients. Behind these impressive numbers are people – both the reentrants given a second chance and the partners who support their productively successful transitions, including The PROGRAM, the YCBA, and others.

The PROGRAM and its partners know that justice involvement is inextricably linked to financial instability, trauma, behavioral health (both substance use and mental health) and many other collateral consequences of incarceration. These consequences often include limited eligibility for employment, public assistance, and voting rights, as well as limited access to education and training, transportation, and decent housing. We also know the first days, weeks, and months of freedom for a returning citizen are critical to their transitional success.

A primary barrier to reentry is an individual’s inability to navigate a complex, incomplete, yet essential services landscape. The PROGRAM provides comprehensive case management that includes reentrant supports for housing, workforce development and placement, families, and mentorship. Alongside the YCBA and Mid Penn Legal, The PROGRAM also has been able to provide expungement and driver’s license services to York County returning residents with profound impacts.

Moreover, The PROGRAM has teamed with attorneys, government officials and agencies, and community organizations to launch the “Pardon Project,” designed to assist individuals with a criminal record who have served their sentence and demonstrated proof-positive change. As the “Pardon Hub” for York County, The PROGRAM offers guidance, coaching, and advocacy for those seeking a pardon from the governor. These collaborative partnerships yield win-win opportunities for both reentrants and the community.

We are thankful for and proud of our collective achievements, and are confident that with continued partnerships, including with the YCBA, we will advance productive opportunities and quality of life for all.

Julie, the mother of two children, sought our help after her ex-boyfriend filed for custody of the children. Family Law Attorney Mike Lister met with Julie and discovered that the situation was more complicated than first thought. Julie knew her ex-boyfriend, who was listed on the birth certificate of her oldest child, was in fact not the child’s biological father. In fact, the biological father was seeing the child in question on a shared custody basis. 

The ex-boyfriend, however, was the biological father of the younger child. Based upon this information, Attorney Lister filed Preliminary Objections alleging that ex-boyfriend did not have standing to pursue custody of the oldest child. After presenting the Preliminary Objections, the oldest child’s biological father was joined to the custody action and paternity testing was ordered. This testing confirmed that the man who was not on the birth certificate of the older child was the older child’s biological father.

Another hearing was held to determine if the ex-boyfriend had any grounds to bring an action for custody of the oldest child. After the evidence was heard, the Complaint with regard to the oldest child was dismissed allowing the ex-boyfriend to only pursue custody of the younger child who is his biological child. This matter is still in litigation. Julie and the biological father of the older child were able to continue to co-parent their child without the interference of a third party.

*Names and photos have been changed to protect the privacy of clients.

Congratulations to our outgoing Association Board Members

• Anne E. Zerbe - Director and Past President
• Brian P. Strong - Director and Past President
• Taylor L. Bare - Young Lawyer Section Chair
• Christopher A. Ferro - Immediate Past President

Congratulations to our outgoing Foundation Board Members

• Amy L. Nelson - Director and Past President
• Edward A. "Ned" Stankoski - Director and Past President
• The Honorable John C. Uhler - Immediate Past President

PBA Pro Bono Partner Award

The Belmont Theatre, has kindly hosted our “Bar Stools” event for over two decades. This important Foundation fundraising event would not happen without The Belmont Theatre. Beginning in 1999 and generally held every other year, the “Bar Stools” production proceeds go directly to our charitable arm, the York County Bar Foundation. The Belmont Theatre provides the location and the infrastructure that allows the fundraising event to be a success. Since the first show in 1999, the Bar Stools has netted nearly $205,000 to benefit The Belmont and support the charitable work of the York County Bar Foundation. Most recently, The Bar Stools Go Back to the Future, was performed on April 7th, 8th, and 9th at the Belmont Theatre. It was a huge success- all three nights were nearly sold out.

PBA Pro Bono Individual Award

Carolyn Sexton is being recognized for the PBA Bro Bono Partner Award in recognition of her distinguished career and dedication to providing outstanding legal assistance through her service to the legal aid community. Carolyn began providing assistance to the legal aid community in 1974 and provided over 47 dedicated years to MidPenn Legal Services before her retirement in 2021. A renowned legal researcher, her skills benefited many of MidPenn’s clients. Carolyn has helped hundreds of people receive benefits they were entitled to and assisted hundreds more in resolving housing issues. Carolyn’s work has resulted in system wide change that helped not just MidPenn’s clients but so many others who benefit from her advocacy.

PBA Civil Legal Aid Attorney of the Year Award

E. John Mitton Jr., Esq. deserves the PBA Civil Legal Aid Attorney of the Year Award in recognition of his distinguished career and dedication to providing outstanding legal representation through his service to the legal aid community. Attorney Mitton began his civil legal aid work in 1984 and provided 37 dedicated years to MidPenn Legal Services before his retirement in 2021. An experienced attorney, John shared quality legal assistance to low-income people in York County in a variety of legal areas, including social security disability, protections from abuse, mortgage foreclosure and housing. Most of John’s work was in helping individuals and families maintain their housing.

John would go beyond just the legal work of his clients. You could find John speaking to family members of his clients to get them to assist in cleaning the home of a hoarder, recruiting other staff along with himself to help organize a client’s home so the client could pass their inspection later that month or giving a client advice about what they needed to be earning if they wanted a loan modification and then calling fellow colleagues to work with the person once they became over our income qualifications on this same case. Colleagues and clients commented on his professionalism, congeniality, and dedication.

YCBA Individual Pro Bono Awards

Brandy G. Hoke, Esq. currently works as an attorney at Ream, Carr, Markey, Woloshin & Hunter focusing on the areas of criminal defense law and family law. She is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania and Widener Commonwealth Law School. She is being recognized this evening for her support of the pro bono program, specifically for taking numerous Protection from Abuse referrals. Attorney Hoke has logged many hours of pro bono service after accepting PFA hearings during which she provided invaluable legal counsel.

Left: Brandy Hoke, Right: Hunter Schenck

Hunter B. Schenck, Esq. currently works as an attorney at CGA Law, focusing on the areas of litigation and real estate. Attorney Schenck is a graduate of Penn State University and Penn State Dickinson School of Law. She is being recognized this evening for providing many hours of pro bono services. She represented clients that were direct referrals, offering to generously provide them with access to her skilled legal counsel. 

YCBA Law Firm Awards

CGA Law Firm is comprised of many YCBA member attorneys. The firm focuses on bankruptcy and debt restructuring, business and corporate law, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, government and education law, litigation or alternative dispute resolution and real estate law. They are being recognized this evening for making pro bono service a priority within the firm. CGA has actively participated in pro bono by representing clients and financially supporting our pro bono program to further assist legal services.