Anabelle Garcia and Mitch Panter
Miami Killian Senior High School’s 2025 Lorraine Silverstein Law Studies Scholarship, sponsored by Panter, Panter & Sampedro, has been awarded to Anabelle Garcia.
Managing partner Mitch Panter presented the $1,000 scholarship check to Garcia during the Miami Killian Senior High School Awards Ceremony on May 1 in the Killian Performing Arts Center.
“This year’s recipient of the Lorraine Silverstein Award is a young lady who distinguished herself as an exceptional [International Law Studies Academy] student almost immediately upon her arrival at Killian. She is a problem solver who leads by example. Her personality is infectious. As a sophomore, her debating skills began to develop depth and focus. During this time, she has been a high-performing student while also participating in many clubs and other activities,” said Panter.
“Receiving that award and being recognized for one of the things I’m truly passionate about — law — really urged me to look at what I want to do, or rather what I want to continue doing, with my life,” said Garcia as she accepted the award.
Garcia was awarded the scholarship for demonstrating her strong commitment to the ILSA. Although she had been unable to join the program as a freshman as is customary, she completed the necessary coursework on her own during the summer, achieving a 4.0 GPA. She was an attorney in the Teen Court Program and a leader in the 2025 Mock Trial Program. Garcia also was a member of the Law Honor Society, a cheerleader, a class ambassador, and she regularly volunteered after school.
Directing her remarks to Panter, she said, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given by you and Mr. Andrews by taking this course, and I am inspired by you, your work, and your dedication to your craft.”
PPS has been sponsoring the scholarship since 2016, when it was begun to commemorate the late Lorraine Silverstein, a former Killian High School teacher who had prepared students for local and state mock trial competitions and the “We the People” annual civics competition. Panter had become acquainted with Silverstein when his son, Jordan – now a lawyer – was a student at Killian High School. Jordan participated in a mock trial competition and Panter volunteered as an advisor to help the students prepare. Panter said he was impressed by Silverstein’s commitment and passion, which had positively influenced Jordan.
“Lorraine Silverstein was a unique person and a stalwart in the field of education. She worked tirelessly preparing her students in whatever the subject. Law was no exception.” said Panter.
‘To inculcate in its members the principles of duty and service to the public, to improve the administration of justice, and to advance the science of jurisprudence.’
~ From the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar

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