New Orleans - The Louisiana Supreme Court congratulates several local honorees recently recognized at the 2023 American Judges Association’s (AJA) 62nd Annual Conference.
In recognition of outstanding service to the AJA, Justice Piper D. Griffin was bestowed the 2023 President’s Award by AJA President Judge Yvette M. Alexander. Justice Griffin serves on the AJA Board of Governors, and was elected secretary for the 2023-2024 year. She also chairs the AJA Diversity Committee, and will be co-hosting the 2024 American Judges Association 63rd Annual Conference in New Orleans with Judge Alexander.
Additional local honorees included Orleans Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D’Souza, who received the Judge Libby Hines Domestic Violence Award; 19th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson, who received the Judge Elliot Zide Judicial Educator Award; and Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Executive Director Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Esq., who received the Nachtigal Award/Contributions to the Judiciary.
Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, “I speak on behalf of myself and the Justices in congratulating Justice Griffin on receiving this notable award. It is an honor that is well deserved. Congratulations are also deserving to Judge D’Souza, Chief Judge Johnson, and Dr. White-Bazile, and I thank them for their contributions to our state judiciary.”
“I am honored to receive the 2023 AJA President’s Award and to be acknowledged along with my colleagues from Louisiana by this association which, while facilitating judicial camaraderie, provides for collaborative leadership, networking, and access to continued educational resources from judicial peers from throughout the United States,” said Justice Piper D. Griffin. “Further, I am enthused about AJA’s new ‘Courts in the Community Initiative’ which reflects AJA’s mission to serve by identifying organizations and individuals in need and assisting through member-donated contributions.”
The purpose of the “Courts in the Community Initiative” is to allow AJA members to provide assistance and support through contributions made to communities where AJA events take place. The agency chosen to receive assistance this year was U.S. Vets Wai'Anae in Hawaii, which is a shelter for military veterans and the homeless but has also been aiding those in need affected by the Maui wildfires. AJA members contributed a total of 200 bags of needed items, which were prepared and delivered for veterans and Maui wildfire victims. Further, AJA members were provided a link to contribute at any time to U.S. Vets Wai’Anae, whose mission is to aid in the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development, and comprehensive support.
AJA is the largest independent, judge-only, member-driven organization in North America. Members include present and former judges of courts of all jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.
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