Ged Lawyers is proud to announce Corrisa Malat as the recipient of the 2023 Legacy of Judge Edward Rodgers Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship honors the late Judge Edward Rodgers, Palm Beach County’s first African American prosecutor and judge.
Earlier this year, Ged Lawyers offered the academic scholarship to a college student to honor the life and legacy of Judge Rodgers.
Rodgers, who was a civil rights icon, accomplished many things throughout his career, including breaking racial and social barriers within the U.S. judicial system and working with people suffering from substance use disorders.
In the early 1990s, Rodgers created the first drug court in Riviera Beach and went on to open others throughout the county. The U.S. Supreme Court later recognized him for his efforts. He died in 2018 at the age of 91.
Corrisa Malat not only met all the requirements to apply for the scholarship, she did so enthusiastically and submitted a passionate essay that would have made Judge Rogers proud. Corrisa graduated from James Madison University in 2019 and excelled in social work in and out of the classroom.
She is currently a graduate student at Portland State University and will graduate in June 2024. She has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and a profound commitment to justice and community service.
In her award-winning essay, Corrisa thoughtfully highlights Judge Rodgers’s principles and legacy, stressing the significance of diversity, equality, and resilience in the legal field.
“Judge Rodgers was a visionary who demonstrated dedication to fairness, reformation, and ethical practices in the judicial system. Rodgers implemented programs that targeted reformation instead of punishment leading to recidivism. In 1991, Judge Rodgers started the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court which offered an alternative to incarceration. More specifically, drug courts offer non-violent offenders who struggle with substance abuse issues an opportunity to receive treatment, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and reclaim their lives outside of a jail sentence.”
Corrisa now hopes to carry that vision and dedication into her career.
“I have appreciated this opportunity to learn about the legacy of Judge Edward Rodgers, and will channel his inspiration as I work to earn my Masters in Social Work, and continue to serve others in my social work career.”
Ged Lawyers established The Legacy of Judge Edward Rodgers Scholarship to support and encourage future leaders in the legal profession who embody the spirit of service and justice exemplified by Judge Rodgers. This scholarship is part of our law firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportunities and promoting social justice.
