On May 2, the Virgin Islands Bar Association presented former Territorial Court Judge Soraya Diase Coffelt with an award for creating the Moot Court Competition for high school students, which just celebrated its 19th year. The judge was asked to be the keynote speaker at the events marking the final day of the competition at the Supreme Court of the V.I. on St. Thomas.
In her speech, Judge Diase Coffelt recalled how the competition was started in 1994 in commemoration of Law Day and with five primary goals: to increase the community’s awareness of current issues in the law; to promote the study of public speaking, advocacy and the law; to improve the community’s awareness of the role of a lawyer and a judge; to improve the public’s opinions of lawyers; and to provide financial assistance to deserving students who plan to further their education upon graduating from high school. She explained how each goal had been successfully achieved. Hundreds of high school students have participated and competed in this unique learning experience since 1994. This year, the Bar Association, with its co-sponsor the V.I. Humanities Council. gave out four scholarships.
At the conclusion of her keynote address, Judge Diase Coffelt received a standing ovation. Bar President Earnest Morris Jr. then presented her with a beautiful art glass piece made on St. Croix and engraved: “In recognition of your valuable commitment, dedication, and valuable contributions to the legal profession and the people of the U.S.V.I.”