Ohio Supreme Court Honors 18 Volunteer Docents
The Court recognized its volunteer docents at an annual luncheon as the Judicial Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Ohio Supreme Court held its annual volunteer luncheon, recognizing 18 docents who greet visitors at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy gave remarks at the event.
Why it matters
The docent program helps the public learn about the state's judicial branch and its history. Its growth reflects expanding volunteer participation in the Court's public outreach efforts across Ohio.
The Court's docent group has grown to one of its largest cadres of volunteers, with more than 10,000 visitors a year taking docent-led tours. The source does not report a precise visitor total for 2026, which the Court expects to match or possibly exceed last year's figure.
The players
Sharon L. Kennedy
Sharon L. Kennedy is the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, the state's highest court.
Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center
The Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center is the home of the Ohio Supreme Court and the site where its volunteer docents greet visitors.
Christopher Fields
Christopher Fields directs the Ohio Supreme Court's Judicial College, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The details
Tim Kalgreen, the Court's civic education coordinator, presented a year-in-review and preview of education and outreach efforts at the luncheon. Each volunteer received a copy of "The Pioneers" by David McCullough, a book about the settlement of the Northwest Territory, including Marietta, Ohio.
Timeline
2025: The Court welcomed thousands of visitors with volunteer docents.
2026: Visitor numbers are on pace to match or surpass the prior year.
2026: The Judicial College marks its 50th anniversary.
Philanthropy Landscape
The docent program reflects a volunteer-driven model of public engagement that the Ohio Supreme Court uses to extend its civic education work beyond the courtroom. The Court's expanded transportation grant program for schools represents a parallel effort to broaden access to the judicial branch.
Visitors to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center can take docent-led tours with volunteers who greet them throughout the year. Residents interested in learning about the state's judicial branch can use these tours as a free, guided introduction to the Court.
The takeaway
Volunteer programs like the Supreme Court's docent corps show how public institutions can widen civic participation through trained community members. Anyone interested in Ohio's courts can visit the Judicial Center to learn how the state's highest court operates.
Further reading
For related coverage of volunteer giving and community support, explore Ohio Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dlnnews.
