On Monday, December 22nd, Judge Dan Shaban of Waterbury Superior Court visited WHS students enrolled in Civics and AP Government courses to discuss judicial processes that are fundamental to the function of the U.S. government, as part of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Judges in Schools Initiative, for students passionate about government foundations and politics. Judge Shaban utilized interactive activities to stimulate typical court scenarios to give students a perspective on how the judicial branch functions on local, state, and federal levels. AP Government student, Adrina Xhema stated, “Judge Dan Shaban simplified our complex government in a state and federal context. As well as the idea that making decisions in court can be time consuming and complicated.” Thus, interactive events can be beneficial for educating students outside the classroom to support students’ understanding of complexities in the world around them. 

Following this event, students applied what they learned from Judge Shaban’s conference in class discussions and assignments. Teachers hope that students at WHS will have more opportunities to interact with educators such as Judge Shaban in following school years. These events may take place during class periods or after school for students interested. As a result of this event, students who attended would be willing to attend another guest speaker event in the future.