<p>Amid the strain brought on by last year&rsquo;s unexpected pandemic, there was cause for celebration on Tuesday, March 30, as Widener Law Commonwealth celebrated its 1L Scholars.</p>
<p>These scholars have endured the entirety of their introductory year of law school as distance learners making them unique among all those who have ever attended law school. Access to campus facilities was limited, access to their professors and fellow classmates was through virtual mediums only, yet through those obstacles, they found ways to succeed.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Adapting to the first semester of law school is challenging under normal circumstances, but the grit and determination that our scholars have demonstrated is remarkable,&rdquo; Randi Teplitz, Assistant Dean of Students said. &ldquo;These students have shown not only strong academic promise but also that they have the ability to be agile in adapting to new and difficult circumstances. This will no doubt serve them well in their careers.&rdquo; A virtual program was held for the scholars, which featured Jeremy Montgomery, &rsquo;07, Deputy Attorney General, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General as the keynote speaker. The scholars also had the opportunity to hear from upper-class students who&rsquo;ve had unique externship opportunities and members of Law Review, Moot Court Honor Society and the Trial Advocacy Honor Society were present to discuss these highly respected organizations.</p>
<p>The event concluded with a look ahead to the fall semester when the scholars will have the opportunity to gather in-person for the first time with each other and their faculty members at a celebratory reception (as public health guidelines permit).</p>
<p><em>&nbsp;</em>&ldquo;The hard work of these students shows that they are the rising leaders of the law school,&rdquo; Interim Dean Michael Hussey said. &ldquo;I look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The 1L Scholars Program began in 2010 under the direction of former Widener Law Commonwealth Dean, Linda L. Ammons. It was introduced to honor students who excelled during their first year and to foster their leadership potential in esteemed law school activities and in the greater legal community.</p>