[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14570]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO EDITH MESSINA

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, today I congratulate Judge 
Edith Messina on her retirement from the 16th Circuit Judicial Court of 
Jackson County and to thank her for her many years of leadership and 
service. For over 30 years, Judge Messina demonstrated exceptional 
litigation skills, judicial integrity, and professionalism while 
serving the State of Missouri. I am pleased to recognize her 
outstanding career today.
  Judge Messina, a native of Kansas City, MO, received her bachelor's 
degree in English Literature and her master of science in counseling 
psychology from Avila University. Upon graduation, Judge Messina served 
in the Peace Corps in northern Nigeria where she taught and worked to 
advance community development. She returned to Kansas City and obtained 
her juris doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 
1974.
  Prior to her appointment by Governor Bond in 1984, Judge Messina 
worked in private practice and as an assistant public defender. She 
became the first female circuit judge in Jackson County, and in January 
1998 the first woman to serve as the 16th Circuit Court's presiding 
judge. As an administrative judge for the Criminal Court and Family 
Court, she played an instrumental role in establishing the Family Court 
Division, which remains in place today.
  In 2008, Judge Messina was honored by the Kansas City Metropolitan 
Bar Association, KCMBA, with the ``Dean of the Trial Bar'' award for 
her longstanding commitment to law, legal knowledge and 
professionalism. She is well-known and admired for guiding and helping 
young lawyers develop their skills and pursue their passions which has 
made a positive impact in the legal community. Beyond the courtroom, 
Judge Messina is an adjunct instructor for Avila University's MBA 
program.
  Judge Messina's dedication to Missouri's judiciary for over 30 years 
has helped improve the way our courts function today. Judge Messina is 
a much-loved member of the Kansas City community and has left a lasting 
legacy of public service.
  I ask that the Senate join me in congratulating and honoring Judge 
Edith Messina.

                          ____________________