Roselle Borough Makes a Wish Come True

On June 30, Morgan Parker stepped into the courthouse in Roselle and became a judge—at least for a day. The 16-year-old, who dreams of becoming a US District Court Judge, got the chance to live that vision when the Honorable Carl L. Marshall of Roselle Municipal Court invited her to shadow him and experience the work firsthand.

Union County Life celebrates the stories of young people who lead with purpose, and Morgan is exactly that kind of leader. She walked through the courthouse doors, took a tour of the municipal court, met the staff, and then did something most teenagers never get to do: participate in a mock swearing-in ceremony, preside over a mock trial, and observe a live court session alongside Judge Marshall.

Roselle Borough Council and the broader Roselle community made this moment happen. It was their way of saying that they see Morgan's potential and want to help her get there. Members of the council encouraged her to keep pushing toward her aspirations. Judge Marshall opened his doors to make the dream real.

Morgan has been on her own kind of journey since age 10, when she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. Most people in that situation might slow down. Morgan has done the opposite. She maintains an A average at University Academy Charter High School. She is active in debate club, art club, and the student emotional learning committee. She served as a sickle cell ambassador for the Valerie Fund to raise awareness. She attended summer camp and kept moving forward even when hospitalizations and missed school days got hard.

The medical team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has been behind her every step. Dr. Surabhi Batra, who leads Morgan's care team, said it clearly: "Morgan is a great example of a patient who follows her care plan and is excelling while battling sickle cell disease. She is a smart, hardworking young woman, and we are all very proud of her."

Morgan put it this way in a recent reflection: "Being a judge is not just about hitting a gavel and making decisions. For me, it's about changing the world."

As Morgan enters her senior year, she plans to major in criminal justice in college. One day, she will likely sit on that bench for real. When she does, she will remember the day Roselle said yes to her dream.

Union County Life covers community achievements, youth initiatives, and the stories of young leaders across Roselle and all Union County neighborhoods. Find more stories about your community on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Judge for a Day program in Roselle?
A: Judge for a Day is a mentorship and educational program in Roselle where young people get to shadow a judge and experience the court system firsthand. Participants tour the courthouse, meet court staff, and observe or participate in mock trials and court proceedings. It is designed to inspire young leaders and give them exposure to law and justice careers.

Q: How did Morgan Parker get involved in the Judge for a Day program?
A: Roselle Borough Council supported Morgan's participation after learning about her dream of becoming a US District Court Judge. Judge Carl L. Marshall of Roselle Municipal Court accepted the invitation to mentor her for the day, giving Morgan the chance to observe his work and experience what it is like to be a judge.

Q: What did Morgan Parker do during her Judge for a Day experience?
A: Morgan received a tour of Roselle Municipal Court, met the court staff, participated in a mock swearing-in ceremony, presided over a mock trial, and observed a live court session alongside Judge Marshall.

Q: How does the Judge for a Day program benefit young people?
A: Programs like Judge for a Day expose young people to careers in law and government, help them build professional mentorship relationships, and give them real-world experience in the justice system. These programs inspire future lawyers, judges, and civic leaders.

Q: Where can I find more stories about youth leadership and community programs in Roselle?
A: Union County Life covers youth initiatives, community achievements, and local leadership stories across Roselle and all Union County neighborhoods. Subscribe to stay informed about programs and opportunities for young people in your area.