Ohio Supreme Court’s Carrollton appearance draws accolades from area school superintendents

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, is a date several students and adults will remember as a once-in-a-lifetime event when the Ohio Supreme Court visited Carrollton.

Some 779 students, along with teachers and school officials from four area districts — Carrollton, Conotton Valley, Brown Local at Malvern and Minerva — attended open hearings involving three appeal cases Wednesday morning in the Carrollton High School Performing Arts Center. The public also was invited to attend.

All four superintendents expressed appreciation and agreed the event was highly educational for their students, as reflected in the following comments.

Carrollton High School

Carrollton Superintendent David Davis said it was an honor for Carrollton Schools to be chosen to host the off-site session of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

“Our students, as well as students from Minerva, Malvern and Conotton Valley, got to see how the judicial system works in person,” Davis said.

“I am very proud of how our students behaved and the amazing questions they asked the attorneys following the cases they witnessed. I hope this experience inspires them to look for ways they can serve their communities while in school and after they graduate.”

Davis also thanked those who helped prepare for the event and the Carrollton staff for their cooperation and flexibility.

Brown Local Schools

Brown Local Superintendent Danielle Hawk said the program gave students an incredible opportunity to witness the judicial system in action and deepened their understanding of how courts operate.

“Experiences like this bring learning to life in a way that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom,” Hawk said.

She said Brown Local was grateful to Carroll County Common Pleas Court, the Supreme Court of Ohio and Carrollton Exempted Village School District for making the experience possible for Malvern students.

Conotton Valley High School

Conotton Valley Superintendent John Zucal said the opportunity for students to witness the Ohio Supreme Court in action was simply amazing.

“The event, from beginning to end, was engaging and brought to life the importance of the judicial branch from a constitutional law perspective,” Zucal said. “We at Conotton Valley are deeply appreciative of Judge Repella and Judge Smith for organizing and facilitating this potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience for our young people.”

Minerva High School

Minerva Superintendent Mark Scott said the event was a powerful learning opportunity for students and he hopes it inspires some to consider careers in law enforcement or law.

“Outstanding work by all involved to bring such a great event to our local students,” Scott said.

Noon luncheon

Accolades were also extended during a noon luncheon honoring the Supreme Court of Ohio’s off-site court program held at Our Lady of Mercy Fellowship Hall in Carrollton.

Hosted by Carroll County Common Pleas Court Judges Michael V. Repella II and Sean R. H. Smith, probate and juvenile division, the luncheon included the introduction of Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy by Carroll County Prosecutor Steven D. Barnett. Remarks were also given by the remaining six justices: Patrick F. Fischer, Joseph T. Deters, R. Patrick DeWine, Daniel R. Hawkins, Jennifer Brunner and Megan E. Shanahan.

Closing remarks were given by Common Pleas Judge Repella, who noted the Supreme Court’s appearance at CHS was not only educational for nearly 800 area students, but also demonstrated the three branches of government.

The invitation to hold the off-site Supreme Court session in Carroll County resulted from contact made by Repella with the chief justice on behalf of himself, Smith and Carroll County Municipal Court Judge Gary Willen.

He also noted this was the only off-site court session held this year by the Supreme Court.