Courts and Law

Brooklyn Supreme Court celebrates summer interns in ceremony honoring Izetta Johnson

August 23, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
Justice Deborah Dowling addresses the summer interns at the New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn during the Izetta Johnson Internship Program graduation ceremony. Behind her, a photo of the late Izetta Johnson is displayed, honoring Johnson’s 35 years of service and her creation of the court system’s flagship internship program that continues to shape future legal professionals. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Justice Deborah Dowling addresses the summer interns at the New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn during the Izetta Johnson Internship Program graduation ceremony. Behind her, a photo of the late Izetta Johnson is displayed, honoring Johnson’s 35 years of service and her creation of the court system’s flagship internship program that continues to shape future legal professionals. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
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The New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn held a graduation ceremony for its summer interns on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Supreme Court building on 320 Jay St. The event marked the culmination of the Izetta Johnson Internship Program, a key component of the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, named after the late court employee who established and nurtured it into a flagship initiative.

“Izetta Johnson lived a meaningful and committed life of public service,” said Justice Deborah Dowling. “She was a dedicated employee of the New York State Unified Court System for 35 years. As a trainer and manager of the Court’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office, she developed and led many important projects, including an award-winning Summer Youth Employment and Internship Program that she started in 1989. She was committed to equality and opportunity, especially for the students.”

Johnson was well-regarded in the court community, having chaired and co-chaired numerous events at the Supreme Court, including “Take Your Child to Work Day,” “Career Day,” “Unity Day,” and others, along with committees such as the Gender Fairness Committee and the Supreme Court Black History Month Committee.

The event on Wednesday was not only a tribute to Johnson but also a celebration of the 43 students who participated in the program this summer. Among them were 19 high school students and 24 college students. These interns were spread throughout the court system, with some working for judges, others with court employees, and a few in departments like IT.

Richard Whittingham talks about his Most Improved Award, recognized for his outstanding growth and dedication during the summer internship at the New York State Supreme Court. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Richard Whittingham talks about his Most Improved Award, recognized for his outstanding growth and dedication during the summer internship at the New York State Supreme Court. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
A large group photo featuring all 43 summer interns alongside their mentors, celebrating the successful completion of the Izetta Johnson Internship Program at the New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
A large group photo featuring all 43 summer interns alongside their mentors, celebrating the successful completion of the Izetta Johnson Internship Program at the New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Most Improved Award recipients Richard Whittingham, Lainey Liriano, and Faith Green stand together, honored for their exceptional progress throughout their internships at the Brooklyn Supreme Court. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Most Improved Award recipients Richard Whittingham, Lainey Liriano, and Faith Green stand together, honored for their exceptional progress throughout their internships at the Brooklyn Supreme Court. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Justice Deborah Dowling shares a moment with intern Melonie Houston, who led the graduation ceremony with poise and enthusiasm. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Justice Deborah Dowling shares a moment with intern Melonie Houston, who led the graduation ceremony with poise and enthusiasm. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Judge Lorna McAllister with interns Tina Lin, Shokjakhon Samiev, Anna Kosofsky and Amirrah Garcia as they receive recognition for their hard work and contributions during the summer program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Judge Lorna McAllister with interns Tina Lin, Shokjakhon Samiev, Anna Kosofsky and Amirrah Garcia as they receive recognition for their hard work and contributions during the summer program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Justice Deborah Dowling, Judge Lorna McAllister, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales, and Nicole Smith pose with a group of interns, celebrating their achievements and the mentorship that guided them through the Izetta Johnson Internship Program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Justice Deborah Dowling, Judge Lorna McAllister, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales, and Nicole Smith pose with a group of interns, celebrating their achievements and the mentorship that guided them through the Izetta Johnson Internship Program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Kiera Williams-Dillings, Nicole Smith, and Victoria Rosner stand proudly with the winners of the interview contest, Shokjakhon Samiev, Alana Quashi and Anna Kosofsky, acknowledging their exceptional communication skills. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Kiera Williams-Dillings, Nicole Smith, and Victoria Rosner stand proudly with the winners of the interview contest, Shokjakhon Samiev, Alana Quashi and Anna Kosofsky, acknowledging their exceptional communication skills. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Four judges and court employees congratulate Autumn Freeman for her participation in the summer internship program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Four judges and court employees congratulate Autumn Freeman for her participation in the summer internship program. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
A group shot of the judges in attendance, including (from left to right) Hon. Sharon N. Clarke, Hon. Wavny Toussaint, Hon. Ellen E. Edwards, Hon. Raymi Ramseur-Usher, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales, and Tawanna St. Louis, who has been nominated to become a judge. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
A group shot of the judges in attendance, including (from left to right) Hon. Sharon N. Clarke, Hon. Wavny Toussaint, Hon. Ellen E. Edwards, Hon. Raymi Ramseur-Usher, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales, and Tawanna St. Louis, who has been nominated to become a judge. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Students who participated in the Izetta Johnson Internship Program through the County Clerk's Office gather for a photo, highlighting their contributions and the opportunities provided by the internship experience. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
Students who participated in the Izetta Johnson Internship Program through the County Clerk's Office gather for a photo, highlighting their contributions and the opportunities provided by the internship experience. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese
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Leading the ceremony was Melonie Houston, one of the interns and a standout according to Justice Dowling, who described her as her favorite intern. Houston exhibited enthusiasm and poise as she introduced various court employees who distributed awards to the interns.

Nicole Smith, Kiera Williams-Dillings, and Victoria Rosner presented awards to the winners of the interview contest. Judges Cheryl Gonzales and Lorna McAllister awarded essay participants, while Hon. Robin Sheares handed out participation certificates. Additional honors included the Perfect Time and Attendance Awards by Nicole Smith, the Most Improved Awards by Jennifer Joly, the Most Enthusiastic Award by Justice Dowling, and the Essay Competition Awards by Justice McAllister. Kiera Williams-Dillings concluded the ceremony by giving out the Interview Competition Award.

The Izetta Johnson Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the legal field, an invaluable asset for those considering careers in law or public service. By working directly within the court system, interns are exposed to the inner workings of the judiciary, from observing courtroom proceedings to assisting judges and court employees with essential tasks. This exposure provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the justice system, which can be pivotal in shaping their future career paths.

Internships within the courts stand out on résumés, as they demonstrate a commitment to public service and a familiarity with the complexities of the legal system. For many students, this experience sets them apart in college applications and future job searches. The skills and knowledge gained through these internships — such as legal research, professional communication, and time management — are transferable to various fields, making the participants highly competitive candidates in their academic and professional pursuits.


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