Shia Rozier, Lakes Law ’23 – (awarded $3,250)
Shia Rozier is currently a Sophomore at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she anticipates graduating in 2027 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. Shia is also a 2023 EMSHE Award Recipient.
As a student at North Carolina A&T, Shia serves as the Voter Education Workgroup Lead with the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement, a delegate to the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments, an Ambassador for the Honors College, the Chapter Vice President of Best Buddies, and the Scholarship Co-Chair for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Phi Chapter. Previously, she served as the Freshman Class President of the Student Government Association, an intern with the District Office of Congresswoman Lois Frankel, and a Raising the Bar Fellow for the Campus Vote Project.
Shia is an alumnus (Class of 2023) of the Center for Pre-Law at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, where she graduated as the Salutatorian of her class. While a student at Palm Beach Lakes, Shia was dual enrolled at Palm Beach State College. Shia was very active in the Center for Pre-Law, serving as mock trial captain, moot court attorney, Law Club President, Law Honor Society President, and Lead Prosecuting Youth Court Attorney. Shia was a three-time recipient of the 15th Judicial Circuit’s Mock Trial Best Advocate Award, and also received the Stetson University Best Overall Performance Award, the Center for Pre-Law Mock Trial Student of the Year Award, and the Florida Moot Court Top Ten. She was also an Administrative and Outreach Assistant for the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County.
Niala Smith, Lakes Law ’25 – (awarded $3,250)
Niala Smith will be a first-year student this Fall at Hampton University, where she anticipates graduating in 2029 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Journalism.
Niala is currently a Senior (Class of 2025) at the Center for Pre-Law at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.
Niala is very active in the Center for Pre-Law, serving as a mock trial team member, Youth Court participant, Law Club President, and Law Honor Society President. Niala was awarded the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition’s 2024 “Best Witness” Award and 2025 “Best Attorney” Award. Niala has also served as a legal intern in the Office of General Counsel of the School District of Palm Beach County.
In addition to her law-related extracurriculars, Niala serves as the Secretary of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Tau Omega Chapter’s Twenty Pearls Youth Group, and as a member of Best Buddies, Key Club, and Lady Debs & Debonairs. Niala has also served as a dancer for the Ram Regiment Band.
Miriam Vidaurre-Zarate, Lakes Law ’21 – (awarded $2,000)
Miriam Vidaurre-Zarate is currently a Senior at Florida International University, where she anticipates graduating in 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Labor Studies. Miriam earned her Associate’s Degree summa cum laude from Palm Beach State College in 2022. Miriam is also a 2022, 2023, and 2024 EMSHE Award Recipient.
Miriam currently works as a litigation legal assistant at the Law Office of Maaz Quraishi, P.A. She previously worked as a legal assistant/receptionist at the Teebagy and Medieros Law Group, PLLC, and receptionist/administrative assistant at Matrix Mediation, LLC.
Miriam is an alumnus (Class of 2021) of the Center for Pre-Law at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School where she graduated in the top 10% in her class. While a student at Palm Beach Lakes, Miriam was dual enrolled at Palm Beach State College. Miriam was very active in the Center for Pre-Law, serving as mock trial captain, moot court attorney, Law Club President, Law Honor Society President, and a Youth Court attorney. Miriam was a three-time recipient of the Center for Pre-Law Gavel Award. She was also a “Think Pink” Committee member, and a member of the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Youth Council.
Shirley Maxime, Lakes Law ’19 – (awarded $1,500)
Shirley Maxime is an alumnus of Florida Atlantic University where she graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Shirley earned her Associate’s Degree from Palm Beach State College in 2022.
Shirley is an alumnus (Class of 2019) of the Center for Pre-Law at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School. While a student at Palm Beach Lakes, Shirley served as a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Black Student Union, Law Club, and the Flag Football team.