The 125th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
May 7, 2025
Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse and Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center, Buffalo, NY
On Wednesday, May 7th, the United States District Court of the Western District of New York, welcomed John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States, to Buffalo for our 125th Anniversary Celebration. Judge Lawrence Vilardo hosted a fireside chat with Chief Justice Roberts at the start of the evening, followed by dinner, recognition of the Civic Education program, and remarks delivered by Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. Our judges and esteemed guests were joined by court staff and members of the bar from around the Western District, culminating in a unique and memorable evening for our entire court and legal community.
Click image below to read Chief Judge Livingston's remarks.
Civics Outreach in the Western District of New York
Thank you to the schools and attorneys who registered to be a part of the WDNY’s Civic Outreach Program for its 125th Anniversary. The program paired attorneys with high schools in our District to teach seniors about the decision in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943). Participating students were eligible for an essay contest with cash awards, along with a mock argument competition.
The 125th Anniversary Mock Argument Competition
April 9, 2025
Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York’s 125th Anniversary Civic Outreach Program culminated on April 9, 2025, at the Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse. All finalists in the Court’s 125th Anniversary Essay Contest were invited to compete. Participants argued the positions they took in their essays and addressed questions from a three-judge panel comprised of Chief District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, District Judge Meredith A. Vacca, and Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. The Court congratulates the following winners:
First Place: Olivia Spanitz
Iroquois Senior High School
Second Place: Christina Zastrow
Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, LoGuidice Educational Center
Finn Mingle (tied)
Tapestry Charter High School
The Court also congratulates the following Honorable Mention recipients:
Natalia Elliott (BOCES LoGuidice), Aaliyah Molson (Tapestry),
Julian Rivera (BOCES LoGuidice), and Reina White (Tapestry)
The Court thanks all of the students, teachers, schools, and volunteer attorneys who participated in the Outreach Program.
Tribute to Hon. Harold P. Burke
April 3, 2025
Strong National Museum of Play
On April 3, 2025, members of the bench and bar gathered at The Strong National Museum of Play, in Rochester, NY, to preview a recorded panel discussion celebrating the Hon. Harold P. Burke, United States District Judge (1937-1981). Following the panel’s lively remembrances of Judge Burke’s life and work, the court honored the longest serving members of its bar, with special highlight to those serving 45 years or more. The event was capped with an evening reception. The full video honoring Judge Burke is below.
Photos from 4/4 event
