Although Judge Rehana Adat-Lopez came to work in traditional robes, her office looked different on Monday morning.
Instead of facing a courtroom, Adat-Lopez addressed multiple groups of about 20 middle school students at Gary Lighthouse Charter School Upper Academy, explaining the importance of the U.S. Constitution and answering questions about her profession.
“Children are near and dear to my heart,” said Adat-Lopez, a judge in the Lake County Superior Court’s civil division. “I think it’s important to start talking about these things and these issues with kids around this age because they’re starting to develop into who they are and get more of an identity.”
Adat-Lopez is one of 61 judicial officers statewide to talk with thousands of students in honor of Constitution Day, which was Sept. 17. Guest speakers talked to students throughout the month of September.
This was Adat-Lopez’s fourth year talking to area students about the importance of the Constitution.
“We think it’s important for kids to understand how the Bill of Rights and Constitution affect everyday life for them, their families and communities,” she said. “It’s important for them to understand what these issues are that come up in their community and that voting gives them a say in their government.”
Gary Councilman Myles Tolliver, D-at large, was also present for Adat-Lopez’s Monday talk. Tolliver is an administrator at the school.
“Someone very special is here to teach you about your community,” Tolliver told students before Adat-Lopez’s presentation. “She’s prioritizing her time to come here and give you all a better understanding of what she does and what makes our courts run here in Lake County.”
Throughout Adat-Lopez’s presentation, students asked various questions, including how much money those in the court system make, how long she’s been a judge and how she became a judge in Lake County.
Adat-Lopez was born in Africa but grew up in Fort Wayne. She attended Valparaiso University for law school and worked in juvenile court before civil court.
Adat-Lopez told students that she was appointed to be a Lake County Superior Court judge by the Indiana governor’s office.
She also stressed the importance of being a judge and how it’s important to be fair and impartial.
“That’s the most important thing about the court system,” Adat-Lopez said.
She also explained how the three branches of government function, the judicial branch’s role and the importance of voting. Adat-Lopez also called on Tolliver’s experience on the Gary council to help students understand how local government impacts them.
“If you don’t care and don’t pay attention, what’s our future going to be?” Adat-Lopez asked students. “This country is all dependent on you. You are an important part of it, and you have to understand the process. Sometimes it might not seem exciting, but it’s something you should know about.”