Each year, the judges and lawyers spend the morning reading aloud to students, speaking with them about the importance of literacy and answering questions about their work in the legal profession.
The visit not only promotes a love of books but also provides students with meaningful exposure to careers in public service and the justice system.
Justices Joanne Quinones and Nancy Bannon, who helped establish the tradition at the school more than a decade ago, once again led the effort this year.
In 2023, Acting Supreme Court Justice Betsey Jean-Jacques joined them as an active member of the organizing committee.
The core group of volunteer readers also includes Civil Court Judge Javier Ortiz — who, like Justice Quinones, grew up in Bushwick — as well as Special Referee Danielle Noel and court attorneys Ronald Cosme Jr., Kemar Hermitt, Olivia Nacionales and Kwok Kei Ng.
Together, they represent a cross-section of the court system united by a shared dedication to service. Their sustained commitment reflects a broader belief that literacy is foundational, not only to academic success but to community engagement, civic participation and equal access to justice.
This year’s group also included Camp Quiñones interns Alba Villarreal, a second-year student at Columbia Law School, and Nicole Jamie Vega, a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
The interns read in both Spanish and English to students who were primarily Spanish-dominant, ensuring that every child could fully engage with the stories and underscoring the importance of fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
